What Is Shame and Guilt According to God’s Word
The word “shame” is used over 400 times in the Bible! It is a feeling of humiliation or embarrassment caused by something that you have done or said. It causes others to look down on you or treat you as less than who you are. You might have felt shame if someone discovered you lied or cheated.
It’s a prevalent theme throughout God’s Word. God doesn’t want us to feel shame but secure. He wants us to know that he loves us no matter what we’ve done or how far we’ve fallen. But God demonstrates His love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).
Guilt is also difficult for many people because it often leads to self-loathing and depression. But what does the Bible say about guilt? If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
What Lies Come with Shame and Guilt
After understanding shame and guilt, we’ll look at some lies that come with it. The lies can be hard to identify because they tend to be subtle and crafty. Below are some common ones, along with the truth behind them:
· I am broken
This lie tells you that your worth is determined by how you perform or what others think of you. It says that if someone else is disappointed in you, there must be something wrong with you. You feel like a failure when it comes to living up to other people’s expectations and values.
· You are unlovable
The Bible says God loves you like a parent loves his children. He knows all about you, and he still loves you.
· Leads to isolation
One thing that makes shame so isolating is that it often feels like no one else has ever felt this way. Being caught doing something you weren’t supposed to or guilty for something you said or did, you’ve also felt the pain that comes from not living up to your expectations. It’s like we’re all alone in our shame-filled corner of the world.
How Did Jesus Overcome Shame and Guilt?
He understood that His Father loved Him unconditionally. When He was accused of blasphemy by the Pharisees, He responded with this statement: “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. (Mathew 22:29).
Then He quoted Psalm 82:6, which says: “You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.” In other words, Jesus knew that even though He had been falsely accused by men trying to shame Him, His Father still loved Him just as much as when He created everything.
Bible Verses About Shame and Guilt
In our society today, the media often portrays shame as a negative thing; however, the Bible uses shame as a motivator for people to do good works for God’s kingdom (1 Peter 2:12).
· 1 Peter 3:14
But God says those who trust him don’t need to feel shame. So, why is this? Guilt or shame can be detrimental because it’s typically a reflection of something we’ve done. Guilty feelings are based on things that have already happened. Feeling guilty can bring up many emotions, such as sadness, stress, embarrassment, anxiety, emptiness, regret, and anger.
· Exodus 20:5–6
God commands us not to be ashamed of Him. This verse says: “you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.”
· 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except as common to man. Still, God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
· Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Ways to Battle Shame and Guilt with the Word of God
Here are some ways to battle shame and guilt with the Word of God:
1. Use God’s Word
When we turn to God’s Word for guidance, we find comfort in knowing He understands our struggles. This is because He went through them too. Psalm 139:1 says: “O Lord, You have searched me and known me.” This verse shows God understands what it’s like to feel alone, and He wants us to know that He has been there before us.
2. Reflect on what you’ve done
Ask yourself three questions:
· What have I done?
· Why did I do this?
· How can I fix this, so it doesn’t happen again?
When asking these questions, be honest with yourself. Start by admitting your sin to God and trust Him to forgive you completely. You probably won’t be able to fix everything at once, but over time you will see progress and improvement in your life.
3. Read the Bible
If you’re struggling with a specific sin, consider reading through the list of sins in the Bible. This can help you identify if any of these apply to you, and it might give you some ideas on how to fix them. If not, maybe your struggle is bigger than just one sin. It could be a lifestyle issue that needs to change.
4. God sees everything
God sees everything, even the things you don’t want Him to see. He knows everything about your past and present experiences; nothing can change His love. He already loves unconditionally (1 John 4:19). Next time you feel guilty, try saying “God loves me” several times out loud or in your head. This will help remind you of His unconditional love for all of us and those who have sinned.
In Summary: Here’s What You Need to Know About Shame and Guilt
Shame is a feeling that you are bad or wrong, and it hurts. It can make you feel like you’re mistaken, even though you know that’s not true. Guilt is feeling bad about something you’ve done or failed to do. Understanding shame and guilt will help you overcome feelings of isolation and negative effects.
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