Now the man and
his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.
Genesis 2:25 NLT
We were never made to handle shame, though almost all of us carry it around inside every day.
When God created Adam and Eve, he placed them in a shame-free relationship with himself and each other. Can you imagine the freedom and peace they must have known without shame as a barrier?
But the moment Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, shame entered the world.
At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
Genesis 3:7 NLT
Rejection is often the source of our shame. We need to expose the shame, examine the roots, and take our needs to God.
Because Jesus handled all our shame and suffering on the cross, we no longer need to handle it on our own. We don't need to deny it, stuff it, or work against it. We can offer our shame to him and experience freedom once more.
What brings you shame? For me, working in jobs that were below my potential were a constant source of shame. I knew that I was capable of much more, but circumstances, insecurity and fear held me back from pursuing the calling God intended for me.
It also didn't help that others regularly shamed me for "not doing enough" even though I was trying my hardest, often for barely above minimum wage. I'm sure that others have also played a negative role in your shame stories.
God helped me deal with that unprocessed area of shame in my life. I don't feel it hanging over my head anymore, because I now realize God never held me in shame for those working years. He used those hard times to shape and refine me into the person I am now, and I can now be grateful for the challenges.
Romans 8:1 has helped me overcome shame. It says there is now no condemnation for me in Christ. Every time shame tries to hold me down, I say this verse aloud. When I do this, shame fades away and I bask in God's kindness and love.
We were never made to handle shame, though almost all of us carry it around inside every day.
When God created Adam and Eve, he placed them in a shame-free relationship with himself and each other. Can you imagine the freedom and peace they must have known without shame as a barrier?
But the moment Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, shame entered the world.
At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
Genesis 3:7 NLT
Rejection is often the source of our shame. We need to expose the shame, examine the roots, and take our needs to God.
Because Jesus handled all our shame and suffering on the cross, we no longer need to handle it on our own. We don't need to deny it, stuff it, or work against it. We can offer our shame to him and experience freedom once more.
What brings you shame? For me, working in jobs that were below my potential were a constant source of shame. I knew that I was capable of much more, but circumstances, insecurity and fear held me back from pursuing the calling God intended for me.
It also didn't help that others regularly shamed me for "not doing enough" even though I was trying my hardest, often for barely above minimum wage. I'm sure that others have also played a negative role in your shame stories.
God helped me deal with that unprocessed area of shame in my life. I don't feel it hanging over my head anymore, because I now realize God never held me in shame for those working years. He used those hard times to shape and refine me into the person I am now, and I can now be grateful for the challenges.
Romans 8:1 has helped me overcome shame. It says there is now no condemnation for me in Christ. Every time shame tries to hold me down, I say this verse aloud. When I do this, shame fades away and I bask in God's kindness and love.
If you are dealing with a
hidden area of shame, this book can inspire you to find your true identity
in Christ. I highly
recommend it.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings and God's peace to you,
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Reflection questions:
1. What is your greatest area of shame? Does it involve rejection?
2. Which Bible verses have helped you overcome shame?
Roman's 8:1 is the verse that also helps me when it comes to shame. Satan is the accuser and he wants us defeated and discouraged. The Lord wants us restored and healed and whole. Shame makes us want to hide, but as believers we are covered with righteousness and have hope, there truly is no condemnation. Thanks for the great reminder!
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