The Origin of Shame

Shame, a profound emotion experienced by humanity since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, holds significant weight in our spiritual journey. In Genesis 3:7-10, we witness the moment when Adam and Eve's eyes were opened to their nakedness after eating from the forbidden tree. Their immediate response was to fashion fig leaves to cover themselves and hide from God's presence.

Adam and Eve’s actions underscore a universal truth: when confronted with shame, our instinct is often to withdraw from God rather than draw near to Him. In our present reality, we mirror the actions of Adam and Eve. There have been numerous instances in my life where I felt like a disappointment due to my own actions—whether it was experiencing divorce, an unplanned pregnancy, repeated failures, and more. The weight of shame often made me hesitant to face my family or friends. I found myself self-isolating long before it became a mandate during the pandemic, which exacerbated feelings of depression.

Shame has a tendency to engulf us, leading to feelings of isolation and guilt, making us feel undeserving of God's presence. However, the truth remains: God longs to meet us in our brokenness, to clothe us with His limitless love. He is well aware of our imperfections. Nothing catches Him by surprise, and nothing can sever the bond between us and His love.

Reflection: Recall a moment in your life when you felt overwhelmed by shame. How did this emotion affect you? Did it hinder your willingness to approach God? Take time to reflect on how your experiences of shame have shaped your perception of God and your relationship with Him.