October 16 | Overcoming Shame

Series | The Overcoming Life

Scripture | Psalm 34:4-5, “4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

Lesson 16 | Shame, “I Don’t Know How To Love and Forgive Myself”

Shame, condemnation, and disgrace are never to be in the child of God’s life.  Shame is defined as, “A painful emotion caused by a strong sense of guilt, embarrassment, unworthiness, or disgrace.”  The Bible states that the people tried to shame Jesus while crucifying Him but Hebrews 12:2 states, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Imagine that! Jesus scorned and despised the shame of crucifixion!  In other words, Jesus said, “No” to shame and embarrassment.  He knew that He wasn’t guilty of sin and that the Father was on His side.  Therefore, it didn’t matter what other people said or what they thought about Him- He wasn’t going to allow Himself to feel unworthy or disgraced.  He knew the Father loved him and He settled in His heart not to let anyone take away His confidence in God.

Consequently, according to the Bible and Jesus’ example, shame is a choice!  You can choose to receive it or reject it.  Shame and guilt is the opposite of confidence and faith.  When you accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life- you were saved.  Whenever you sin and sincerely repent- you are 100% forgiven.  If you ever feel like you’re not saved or forgiven overcome that “feeling” with “faith” in the Word of God.  Reject rejection!

1 John 3:20 reads, “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.”  And Paul said in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Now it’s your choice to believe what God says or what shame says- I choose to believe I am who Jesus said I am and reject shame.

Are you struggling with shame?  Pray this out loud, “Father, forgive me for allowing my feelings of guilt and condemnation to change how I see you and myself.  I believe you are who you said you are and I believe you can do what you said you can do.  Therefore, I reject and despise my feelings of shame and decide to have confidence in you and believe what you said about me!  Amen.”

Reflection | Have you been allowing shame to define who you are?

Action | (1) Repent if you have allowed shame to overshadow God’s love for you. (2) Pray and ask God to fill you with His love and forgiveness. (3) Lastly, whenever shame tries to come back- believe and speak the Word of God over your life and reject it!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Jeremiah 28:1-29:32, 1 Timothy 1:1-20, Psalm 86:1-17, & Proverbs 25:17. Click here to read online.