Shame is a heavy burden that many carry long after an offense has taken place. Whether you have been the one offended or the one who caused the offense, shame has a way of keeping us trapped in regret, self-condemnation, and a false sense of unworthiness. But God never intended for us to live under the weight of shame. Through Christ, we can find freedom, healing, and restoration. Shame arising from offenses hurts our relationships. Releasing shame from offenses—finding freedom in Christ is possible when we believe we can choose to overlook offenses because Christ also overlooked ours.
Avoiding the Enemy’s Trap of Shame
From the very beginning, the enemy has used shame as a tool to keep people distant from God. In the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve sinned, their immediate response was to hide in shame (Genesis 3:7-10). Shame tells us that we are too broken, too guilty, or too unworthy to approach God. It isolates us and keeps us from experiencing the love and grace of our Savior.
But the truth is that Jesus came to set us free—not just from sin, but from the shame that sin brings.
Jesus Took Our Shame
One of the most beautiful truths of the Gospel is that Jesus bore our shame on the cross. Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus did not just die for our sins—He took our shame and conquered it.
When we confess our sins and offenses to Him, He doesn’t just forgive us—He also removes our shame. Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” In Christ, we are made new, and shame has no place in our lives.
Releasing Shame Through God’s Truth
If you struggle with shame from offenses—whether from past mistakes, failures, or things others have done to you—know that God’s truth is greater than your feelings. Here’s how to release shame and walk in freedom:
Releasing Shame Through Confessing and Receiving Forgiveness
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Bring your shame to Jesus. He already knows, and He is ready to cleanse you and remove your burden.
Releasing Shame Through Rejection of the Lies of the Enemy
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
The enemy wants to keep you bound in shame, but God says you are forgiven, loved, and redeemed. Choose to believe His truth over the lies of condemnation.
- Renew Your Mind with God’s Word. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) Shame lingers when we continue to dwell on past offenses. Replace shame-filled thoughts with the promises of God. Meditate on scriptures that remind you of your identity in Christ.
- Walk in Your New Identity. “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The Old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Youa re no longer defined by your past mistakes. You are a new creation, washed clean by the blood of Jesus.
- Embrace God’s Love and Grace. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12) God does not hold your offenses against you—so why should you? Accept His grace, and allow His love to heal you completely.
- Walking in Freedom. Shame has no power over a heart that has been set free by Jesus. When the enemy tries to remind you of past offenses, remind yourself of the cross. God’s love is greater than any mistake, and His grace is sufficient for every weakness.
Today, choose to release your shame. Let go of the burden, lift your eyes to Jesus, and walk in the freedom He has already purchased for you.
Check out the Seeing Deep blog this week for a mindset hack that reminds us that forgiveness does not mean we dismiss sin or egregious behavior. It means we don’t take it personally.