Because of sin, shame stalks us all. But from the beginning God has committed himself to abolishing shame by covering, cleansing, and including us.

At a recent ReTrain session, we reflected on shame’s relentless assault on all of us, and we reflected on God’s counter to that assault. There are very few things that are more important.

Words for shame

We sometimes miss shame because we zero in on guilt. Though shame and guilt are similar, they are not identical, and shame is the more prominent in Scripture.

We experience shame when we sin and want to hide that sin. We also experience shame when we are sinned against by others. Sexual violation is the most obvious of these injustices, but we could also include rejection by parents or a spouse, constant criticism, and anything that leaves us always feeling wrong and marginalized.

Once shame is identified, we begin to see it everywhere. Low self-esteem was one phrase we used at ReTrain. Shame often hides under it. And there are scores of other ways shame manifests: feeling contaminated and dirty, feeling exposed and inadequate, feeling like you never belong or fit in. Rejection, failure, worthless, a big fat zero, a disgrace, disgusting, always wanting to hide and cover up, in bondage, unlovable, loser. Thoughts of suicide often emerge out of shame.

We experience shame when we sin and want to hide that sin. We also experience shame when we are sinned against by others.

Since God is so concerned about shame, assume that shame is stalking you. His concern shows up in the Garden of Eden when he clothed Adam and Eve. Ever since, God has committed himself to abolishing shame by covering, cleansing, and including us. He does this with no hesitation and no reluctance.

Old and new connections

Now take a harder look at shame that accompanies being sinned against. These shameful violations establish a kind of bond between the violator and ourselves. The person who violated you has passed on to you the ugliness and contamination of his or her loathsome act. You have become defined by contact, and the effects of that contact persist.

Can that connection ever be severed? This is where we begin to see the gospel shining through. Those chains that keep us captive to another person can, indeed, be broken. Even more, we are not left isolated but are connected to Jesus by faith.

“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” (Ps. 34:5)

“Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband.” (Is. 54:4–5)

Announcing shame’s demise

Embedded within the cross of Jesus is the story of shame. Jesus came as the shamed King who identified with shamed people. Just watch who he associated with—who he ate with and who he touched. He was announcing shame’s demise.

God has committed himself to abolishing shame by covering, cleansing, and including us.

The spiritual realities are unmistakable: he connects to us, takes our shame upon himself and puts it to death on the cross. Connected to him, we share in his righteousness and holiness. That’s why Peter identifies us as a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Pet. 2:9).

When we put our faith—our very lives—in Jesus, we are acknowledging a new connection. He has disarmed and destroyed old connections and united us to himself. His reputation becomes our own. And since Christ’s resurrection guarantees this bond, no mere human has power to severe it.

What beautiful realities to consider and to live out.