The Medicine For Shame

Parts of our society and many media outlets are constantly trying to erase all forms of shame. In order to erase shame, you have to know what shame is first. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines shame as:

1. A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt, or of having done something which injures reputation; or by of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal. 2. The cause or reason of shame; that which brings reproach, and degrades a person in the estimation of others. 3. Reproach; ignominy; derision; contempt. 4. The parts which modesty requires to be covered. 5. Dishonor; disgrace.

When you read the definitions, it is completely and totally understandable why people would want to erase shame. It is not a good feeling. It does not cause images of butterflies and furry puppies to pop into our heads. Shame is a feeling of discontent, wrongfulness, dread. My Apple Dictionary App defines shame using these words: humiliation, mortification, chagrin, ignominy, loss of face, embarrassment, indignity, abashment, discomfort,

discomposure, guilt, remorse, contrition, disgrace, dishonor, discredit, degradation, disrepute, illrepute, infamy, scandal, odium, opprobrium, obloquy, condemnation, contempt, reprobation, derogation, pity, misfortune, cause for regret, source of regret, sad thing, unfortunate thing.

Did you read all of those words? I had to look a few up but, I have to hand it to Apple Dictionary App, that is a pretty comprehensive list of words describing shame. No wonder the media and certain people groups work so hard to erase shame from our minds. These words are NOT pleasant. But, instead of erasing shame, they should be trying to erase the source of shame which just happens to be SIN. In Satan’s twisted world of reality, if shame is erased then sin can flourish. That is not God’s plan. Shame is a tool that God gives his children to guide, correct, and cause us to repent. We don’t need to erase shame. We need to erase the sin that is causing the shame. A good dose of shame can lead to a repentant heart and that is exactly what God wants.

Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

But God’s word also reminds us of the antidote.

Romans 10:11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” A repentant heart will cure the cause of shame.