Photo by Julia Taubitz on Unsplash
By Mike Chaffin
My dishonor is continually before me, And the shame of my face has covered me, Psalm 44:15
What could be the single most useful negative emotion, or the biggest roadblock to recovery, is shame. The dictionary defines shame as, “an unpleasant emotion that is a combination of self-hate, regret, and dishonor. Shame is also described as a negative self-evaluation, where someone believes they are unworthy or inadequate because they haven’t met certain standards.”
The Bible shows us shame can bring us to God or be a punishment from God.
Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O Lord. Psalm 83:16
We need a certain amount of shaming to understand how lost we are without Christ. Once we realize how shameful our actions have been we humble ourselves, repent, and receive God’s forgiveness and salvation. Our shame is removed, washed away by the power of Christ’s blood on the cross.
However, there are those whose pride stands in the way. They are too proud to admit their sins, to afraid to face the shame of them being out in the open. This keeps us from a complete spiritual cleansing and release from habitual shame.
When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
There is no shame in humble contrition. It is cathartic, healing, and wise. If we do not face our shame and repent, we are lost.
And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2
We need to allow shame to do its work. It helps us understand we are sinful and in need of a Savior. As a child of God, it directs us back onto the path of righteousness. However, don’t let it become a guide for your conscious. Continual sin will sear the conscious. The sinner, trapped in their sin, will eventually know no shame.
The Lord is righteous in her midst, He will do no unrighteousness. Every morning He brings His justice to light; He never fails, But the unjust knows no shame. Zephaniah 3:5
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me of my sins. As David said in the Psalm, my shame is ever before me. I don’t feel worthy of your forgiveness, but I know if I ask for your forgiveness, you do not withhold it. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to grow in righteousness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:11
