The moment that sin enters into the world, shame is present.
Guilt says “I did something bad.”
Shame says “I am bad.”

We cope with shame by building a wall (a barrier).

We do this for two reasons:
1. We feel like we won’t be accepted as is
2. To protect ourselves from getting hurt again

God’s power is at its BEST when my power is at its WORST.

In response to shame, we must choose vulnerability.

Vulnerability: The courage to let go of who you think you should be in order to be who you are and in that to understand deeply that you are loved and accepted by God.

We have seen God meet people in their moments of their greatest vulnerability.

Jacob: Genesis 32:31 Jacob wrestles with God and walks away with a limp
Moses: Exodus 4:10 Moses is asked to lead God’s people even thought he stutters
David: Psalm 51 David mourns in the midst of great sin and disobedience
Peter: Luke 22:60-61 Peter denies Jesus

Perhaps the best definition of Godly vulnerability is a heart that’s open wide.

1. Vulnerable with God
-Our response to shame is the same as Adam and Even in the garden: we hide.

When we can’t be vulnerable with God:
-we place limitations on the depth of our relationship with Him
-we limit the work He can do in our lives

2. Vulnerable with others
-Shame prevents us from experiencing love, belonging, joy, trust, and intimacy in our relationships.
-Research of hundreds of people dealing with shame led to one powerful conclusion: it’s not that vulnerability was always comfortable, but it was always necessary.

Christ’s Mind Versus the Human Mind as it Relates to Vulnerability

The Mind of Christ / The “Merely Human” Mind
The truth will set you free. / The better you look, the better you are.
We are precious to God as we are. (Matthew 13:45-46) / God’s acceptance is something we must earn.
We are loved. (Romans 5:8) / We aren’t worthy of God’s love. Not really.
We must be open and honest about who we are. / We can’t be open and honest about who we are.
Risk / Pretend
Love / Protect
Step out in faith / Hide