Question 1

What should cause me to feel ashamed?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 2:25; 3:7Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame . . . At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.Ezra 9:6I prayed, “O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you. For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens.”Psalm 25:3No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.Isaiah 44:9-11How foolish are those who manufacture idols. These prized objects are really worthless. The people who worship idols don’t know this, so they are all put to shame. Who but a fool would make his own god—an idol that cannot help him one bit? All who worship idols will be disgraced along with all these craftsmen—mere humans—who claim they can make a god. They may all stand together, but they will stand in terror and shame.Romans 6:20-21When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom.1 Corinthians 5:1-2I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother. You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame.Shame for our sinful attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions show that we are living apart from God’s design. So instead of hiding our sin, we should ask God to forgive us.Ezra 8:22-23I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.” So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.We should be embarrassed and feel ashamed when caught in hypocrisy; that is, when what we say we believe does not correlate with the way we live.

Question 2

What can cause us to feel shame that is not our fault?

Accepted Answer

2 Samuel 10:4-5So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David in shame. When David heard what had happened, he sent messengers to tell the men, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow out, and then come back.” For they felt deep shame because of their appearance.Being mistreated can cause us to feel ashamed because mistreatment dishonors us and can cause us to become isolated from other people.

Question 3

Of what was Jesus not ashamed?

Accepted Answer

Hebrews 12:2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.Jesus was not ashamed of being wrongfully accused as a criminal and dying on the Cross. Though from a human standpoint, his crucifixion was an ugly experience, it was also the most beautiful celebration of love in all history.Hebrews 2:11So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.Jesus is not ashamed of his relationship with those who believe in him, despite the fact that we ignore and disobey him daily.

Question 4

Of what should we not be ashamed?

Accepted Answer

Luke 9:26“If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.”We should not be ashamed of Jesus—who he is, what he said, or what he did.Luke 22:61-62At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.1 Peter 4:14If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.We should not be ashamed to be associated with Jesus, to be known as his followers.Matthew 5:15“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.”Romans 1:16I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.2 Timothy 1:8So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.We should not be ashamed to tell others about Jesus.2 Timothy 1:12That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.2 Timothy 1:16May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains.1 Peter 4:16It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!We should not be ashamed of suffering for Jesus or of being associated with those who are suffering for him.

Question 5

How can feelings of shame be used by God?

Accepted Answer

1 Peter 4:14, 19If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. . . . So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.The shame we suffer because of our relationship with Christ can become a reason for joy when we realize the honor he gives us for following him faithfully.2 Chronicles 30:15On the fourteenth day of the second month, one month later than usual, the people slaughtered the Passover lamb. This shamed the priests and Levites, so they purified themselves and brought burnt offerings to the Temple of the Lord.Our shame can lead us back to God when we have wandered away.2 Thessalonians 3:14Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed.Titus 2:8Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.Healthy shame should convict us of our sins and cause us to be reconciled to God. And sometimes the only way we can help others be reconciled to God is to allow them the time to become ashamed enough of their sins that they will want to turn to God.1 Corinthians 4:14-16I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I urge you to imitate me.Words of rebuke can also be loving words of warning. Rebuke may not seem very loving, and it can make us feel ashamed, but if done correctly and taken in the right spirit it can change harmful behavior.1 Corinthians 6:5I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues?Being ashamed of wrongful actions can spur us to take action toward right decisions.

Question 6

How can we avoid feeling ashamed?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 25:2-3I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.Psalm 25:20Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.Psalm 31:17Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to you for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave.Psalm 34:5Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.We can avoid feeling ashamed by obeying God and doing what is right. Thoughts, motives, and actions that are sinful and hurtful to others can lead to feelings of shame. When feeling shame for our real guilt, we should call out to God to help us live with integrity.2 Timothy 1:12That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.We should not be ashamed of our actions when we are suffering for following Christ and living his way.Psalm 119:6Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.Psalm 119:78, 80Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments . . . May I be blameless in keeping your decrees; then I will never be ashamed.We can avoid feeling ashamed by being obedient to God. Obedience helps us avoid the sinful behavior that leads to shame.2 Timothy 2:15Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.We can avoid feeling ashamed by being diligent. Hard work brings tangible accomplishments that help us avoid needless shame.1 John 2:28Now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.Our daily lives should reflect our relationship with Christ. A strong fellowship with Christ leaves little place for needless shame.Isaiah 49:23Kings and queens will serve you and care for all your needs. They will bow to the earth before you and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord. Those who trust in me will never be put to shame.”We can avoid feeling ashamed by waiting on the Lord, remembering that he is in control and that he has a plan for our lives. God will ultimately honor those who are faithful to him.

Ashamed