Defining Shame: It’s Different from Guilt

The Bible is filled with the vocabulary of shame.

Genesis 2:25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

Romans 9:33 As it is written: Romans 9:33 As it is written: . . . “the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

The Bible world is an honor-shame based culture.

Some shame is good, healthy shame, but most isn’t. Proverbs 13:18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. 1 Corinthians 6:5 I say this to shame you. 1 Peter 3:16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Guilt and shame are different experiences. Psalm 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Isaiah 50:7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.

While guilt tells me I made a mistake, shame shouts that I am a mistake! Psalm 69:19-20 19 You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you. 20 Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.

In shame I feel robbed of my dignity as a person – exposed as inadequate, unacceptable, defective, unworthy! Psalm 44:15 I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame

You are loved by God and belong in his family!

and belong in his family! Ephesians 2:13, 19 (MSG) 13 Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything. . . . 19 That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. You are loved by God and belong in his family!