SHAME

God's commandments are not suggestions to follow, but it is mandatory or obligatory to follow. In Asia or any other parts of the world, driving rules became suggestions, instead of mandatory or obligatory. No one seems to be following the road signs and lanes. As a result, it causes massive traffic. Traffic lights are ignored if it is safe to cross, instead of waiting for the green light. Disobedience to God's commandments causes sin, and the consequences of sin are shame and death. When we have a relationship with God, sin produces shame in us because it affects our relationship with Him. Genesis 3:7 says, "At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves." Adam and Eve experienced something that they had never experienced before after disobeying God. They felt shame for the first time in their lives. Shame is a painful, self-conscious emotion driven by the belief that there is something wrong with who we are, not just what we have done. For example, guilt says, "I committed something bad." Shame says, "I am bad." 

Shame affects our core identity (who we are as a person), while guilt affects our behavior (what we have done). The common response of shame is to hide because we feel unworthy to be accepted and loved. Adam and Eve tried to hide their nakedness, so they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Their nakedness symbolized perfect trust, purity, perfect harmony, and security. However, when they sinned, their nakedness produced insecurity, separation, a loss of innocence, fear, guilt, and shame. Many people today, including Christians, feel ashamed because of what they have done in the past. They still feel unworthy; as a result, they look down on themselves all the time and have low self-esteem. They never enjoy the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus. If this is you, I just want to encourage you that there is now no shame in our Lord Jesus, because of what He has done on the cross. Jesus's blood that was shed on the cross washed away our past sins, and we are now completely forgiven; therefore, there is no more shame. Romans 10:11 says, "As Scripture says, 'Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.'" 

Let us let go of the shame of our past sins. We have received the righteousness of our Lord Jesus the moment we believed in Him; therefore, we now have a new identity. Jesus gave us a new identity. Our worth is no longer being defined by the bad things that we have done in the past, but we are now defined by what our Lord Jesus has done on the cross for us. Let us not live in shame anymore, but embrace the new life that we have in Christ Jesus.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What is the difference between guilt and shame? Do I still feel shame for the past mistakes or sins I have made? What does the Bible say about my past sins once I repent and confess them to God?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please forgive me for all the sins that I have committed. I admit and confess them all to you. I acknowledge that I was guilty as I can be. As I ask for your forgiveness and confess them to you, thank you for your immediate forgiveness. Please help me not to live in shame anymore because my past sins have been washed away by your precious blood, and I am completely forgiven and free. Thank you. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.