Scriptures to Fight Back Against Shame

Some Scriptures to Help You Fight Shame

The word “shame” refers to the negative emotions of embarrassment, disgrace, and disgracefulness.

The notion of shame provides insight into the human response to both individual and institutional humiliation. It means that shame will carry with it a sensation of agony, connecting to the emotions of a human being in such a manner that they endure humiliation and distress. The definition goes on to make clear that the effects of shame are not limited to the individual who has to bear them; rather, the losses associated with dishonor have a far-reaching influence on culture and society as a whole. When people in a society no longer value its members, they are more likely to ignore them.

Theologian Henri Nouwen recognized that the exchange of individual and corporate guilt for the healing of injured hearts and souls is intimately tied to the potential of a community and humankind at large to thrive. He adds, “When our wounds stop to be a cause of shame and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.” When shame is traded for redemption and restoration, the adages “hurt people damage people” and “healed people heal people” indicate a return of dignity and voice.

Words inspired by God and recorded in Scripture invite people to learn more about God and develop a life-changing connection with Jesus. Jesus is the cure to shame. His words recounted in the Gospel of John reaffirm the foundations of what my young buddy revealed that morning as we gathered: the adversary attempts to take, and Jesus provides the fullness of life.

“The thief comes only to steal, murder, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

The sins and failures of our past and the damaged deeds suffered by others may have lead us into a wounded place of shame, lack of value, and the silencing of our voices. We have entered an enemy stronghold. Jesus gives us the option to trade in our scars, together with the shame and pain they hold, for the glory of a life fully experienced. By doing so, we may transform from patients into caregivers.

Whatever the scars of your past, the Bible gives words of healing and hope for your future. Here are ten texts to enable you to battle back shame, regain your voice, and move into the fullness of life that Jesus desires for you.

Aloud Praying Psalms for Conquering Guilt

When dealing with the shame and pain that can result from brokenness and disgrace, praying words straight from the Bible is a powerful and life-giving approach to express your hurt to God. God knows what we’re thinking, hears what we’re saying, and feels our pain. The Psalms provide us a biblical perspective on the anguish we feel as we heal from wounds and make amends for the mistakes that might cause us to feel shame.

My hope is in you, Lord; save me in your justice. Turn your ear to me, come soon to my rescue; be my rock of refuge a strong fortress to save me. Because you are my stronghold and refuge, please direct my steps. You are my safe haven; protect me from the trap that has been prepared. I put my trust in you, Lord; save me, since you are reliable. Psalm 31:1-15

From the depths I call to you, Lord; Lord, hear my supplication. Please pay attention to my pleading for help. Who could withstand the weight of sin if you recorded it, O Lord? But because you can be trusted to forgive, people are afraid of you. My hope is in the Lord; he has promised me a future. Psalm 130: 1-5

The Bible says wonderful things about you; here are some verses to remind you of that

From the presence of the Holy Spirit over the waters in Genesis to the atoning death of Jesus, the Bible presents messages of value, dignity, and worth. A Christian’s firm awareness of their identity in Christ and their intrinsic dignity as human beings formed in the image of God is the single most effective weapon in fighting shame.

To paraphrase the Bible, “God created man in his own image; in the image of God he made him; male and female he created them.” Beginning in Genesis 1:27

For you formed the depths of who I am; in the womb, you gave me life. I give you thanks because you have created me in awe-inspiring detail; your handiwork is superb. When I was crafted in the mysterious location, my framework was not concealed from you. Your sight caught my body in its unfinished state as it was being stitched together in the bowels of the earth. Before a single one of my days was born, they were all recorded in your book. Psalm 139: 13-16

Love is the flag he’s raised above me. To paraphrase Song of Songs 2:4b

Because God loves the world, he gave his only Son, so that everyone who puts their faith in him could not perish but might have eternal life. As the Bible puts it, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order to rescue the world through him.” John 3:16-17

As a Book of Scripture to Proclaim Redemption and Release from Condemnation

Christians at Ephesus were urged by Paul to defend themselves with the whole armor of God against the “devil’s schemes.” Take the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, he advises (Ephesians 6). Being equipped with biblical knowledge and proclaiming it over one’s life is a potent weapon for overcoming shame and resisting the devil’s attempts to use that knowledge and those declarations against one.

Because of what Christ has done for me, I am free from the shackles of sin and death, and I declare that there is thus now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Revelation 8:1

“Because the Almighty God is on my side, I shall not be ashamed. Consequently, I have hardened my resolve and am determined to avoid any humiliation. Quote from: Isaiah 50:7

The best way to overcome shame is to speak up about it.

It was “through the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” that they were able to triumph over him. Scripture Reference: Revelation 12:11a

You will naturally want others to discover the same freedom as you as you overcome shame, regain your voice, and enter the fullness of life that Jesus desires for you. The sick can help the healthy.

Throughout the gospels, Jesus met both men and women who carried the scars of brokenness and disgrace. They carried their scars of disgrace with them everywhere they went. Jesus’ words often condemned, but they were also signs of liberation, hope, and healing.

One such woman, friendless and embarrassed, is depicted in the gospel of John. As she opened up to Jesus about her past hurts, he spoke words of comfort and encouragement. Jesus helped her overcome her humiliation and find her voice again.

With her water jar in tow, the woman returned to town and said to its inhabitants, “Come meet a guy who told me everything I ever done. Is this the Messiah? John 4:28-29