By substituting for our sin Christ also substituted for our shame. True shame is rooted in our sin or in sin inflicted on us. When humans rebelled in the Garden they became corrupt and they became aware of their corruption. In this way, all of us have shame. Some have a much stronger experience of shame because of life experiences.
By curing us of our sin he cured us of the shame that comes with it. His crucifixion was the ultimate shameful event in history and it was the comprehensive payment for all our shame. Since there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Rom. 8:1), there is also no shame to bind us. Our New Adam self is shame-free because it is made in the image of Christ, though our old self might lead us into shame or others may inflict shame on us. When we live from our New Adam self and walk in the Spirit we are free of the impact of shame. Therefore, just as we can overcome sin in our life, we can overcome shame. When we experience shame for a sin we commit we can process it biblically and avoid harm. Jesus broke the power of shame so we can be free of its influence and free from subsequent self-rejection.
When we abide in Christ, our past has no power to control or define us. All our shame, all our weaknesses and all our faults are null and void for our identity in Jesus. We are free from the prison of sin and shame; however, sometimes we sabotage ourselves by holding on to our shame and sometimes we are unaware of deep shame. Thus, I implore you to examine your life to find any sins for which you have not accepted God’s forgiveness and any shame or self-rejection from which you have not been freed.
We are naturally tempted to beat ourselves up inside for our faults and weaknesses. Or we might embrace the shame and rejection inflicted by others and reject ourselves like they did. Shame and rejection that we experience in childhood can grow very deep roots and it may be very difficult to overcome. Some never learn how to get over it. If we do not accept healing for our shame or if we do not avoid self-rejection then aren’t we rejecting the healing power of Christ’s death on the Cross? Aren’t we saying that it wasn’t enough that Jesus, who was fully God and fully human, died on the Cross, that it doesn’t really heal our shame? Aren’t we refusing to accept his gift?
Therefore, it is important to recognize shame then tell yourself that Jesus defeated your shame and accepts you, that you renounce self-rejection and that you accept yourself. It is good to do this slowly to make sure it sinks in to your heart.
For more on this and a link to a guide see this post.
