Silent Killers: Shame Sample

Guilt versus Shame 

The words guilt and shame are often associated together and many think that they have the same meaning. However, guilt and shame have different meanings and they affect our souls differently. The feeling of guilt comes when we’ve acted wrongly or misbehaved, and it convicts us as “I did something bad.” The feeling of shame comes when we’ve misbehaved or when we feel embarrassed, and it attacks with the lie that says “I am something bad.” Guilt focuses on the actions, shame focuses on the person. 

Shame causes us to run and hide, just like Adam and Eve did in the Garden. The devil uses shame to attack what we think of ourselves. The lie of shame attacks self-image and self-confidence. The conviction that the Holy Spirit brings causes us to rethink our actions and to change our minds; the devil uses shame to bring condemnation that causes us to doubt and demean ourselves. The Holy Spirit is our ally against the lies of the devil, and He brings grace to us when we make mistakes. His grace reminds us that, because of Jesus, we are free from the lie of shame. 

Action Step: Write a prayer asking God to help you see the differences between guilt and shame in your life.