Why Shame

God has called us into many things. He has set expectations before us whether of good conduct through Holy living or living in obedience to His commands. When we fall short of these expectations we sin. Shame primarily is a result of our own actions but it can also be because of the behavior of other people.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NIV)

Not meeting requirements leaves us in a state of guilt and condemnation. It does not matter how remorseful we may feel but it will never alleviate shame. The devil always uses shame to get us outside of God’s will. He wants us to feel condemned and unable to try again.
In the days of the Old Testament when man had sinned, not only did they have to offer a sin offering but also had to offer a guilt offering so that God, who is the only one who can remove our guilt, can take the shame of the repentant sinner.

Jesus was therefore sent by God as the ultimate sacrifice to seek and save the lost; to offer a sacrifice once and for all for all our sin, guilt and shame.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

The first step to living shame free is asking God to live in our hearts. When we ask of God to forgive our sin, He lovingly does so but sometimes we may still be faced with shame.

“Whoever believe in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because He has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:18 (NIV)

God then teaches us how to live a life without shame so that we can enjoy the fullness of His love. It is not His desire that we live a life of bondage. We need to open ourselves to Him and be honest about the things that go on on the inside of us and we will see His freedom.