shame

Shame

Our feelings are accurate gauges of what is going on inside. They are there to inform us of our inner reality so we can become more aware. We’ve all experienced being demeaned, unfairly judged, and put down – some, way more than others. Indeed, if used too much against us, shaming can seriously damage our self-worth, as it strikes at the root of our well-being and identity. Sometimes it may be virtually impossible to resist ongoing humiliation and ridicule. We can be left questioning whether we’re worthy even to exist. Being discredited shocks and shakes us, whomever it comes from. In order not to become a victim we will need to manage how much we believe to be true, to filter how much to let in and what not to allow.

Jesus understands what it feels like to be shamed as He was continually discredited by unscrupulous people. He was aware that He couldn’t entrust Himself to some. However, He never allowed their spiteful debasements to take Him off track from His work here on earth – though they often tried to derail Him through their vitriolic attacks.

At first sight, it does not look like shame can ever be our friend, for our internal critic often rather lets it erode our self-esteem, which will also affect our ability to trust God’s acceptance. However, our experience of shame can alert us to our mistakes, to what was in fact inappropriate. It helps sensitize us to what we might not have been aware of and need to restore. We so need to put it all before the light of God’s love for His healing, and with Him, gain discernment and wisdom to learn from it what we need to, and to leave what is not true and what we must not believe at all.

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