03/14/26

Last Sunday, I heard a beautiful church choir sing a song that included the phrase, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” My mind immediately went to this saying by the apostle Paul in Romans 1:16. Then, the more I thought about it, I wondered, why would anyone be ashamed of the gospel? That’s when my German brain focused on the word, “ashamed.” What does it mean to be ashamed of anything? The dictionary tells me that to be ashamed is to be embarrassed or feel guilty because of one’s actions, characteristics, or associations. But I wanted to know what psychologists think about shame and being ashamed.

Psychologists define shame as a painful, self-conscious emotion stemming from a perceived failure to meet social or personal standards, often characterized by the belief that one is fundamentally “bad,” flawed, or unworthy. Unlike guilt, which focuses on behavior, shame attacks the self-concept, causing a desire to hide, withdraw, or become defensive. There are certain key psychological insights on shame that include: Internalized Core Belief: Shame often manifests as a persistent, internal voice declaring “I am not good enough” or “I am broken,” rather than “I did something wrong.” Also, Physical & Emotional Impact: It is an instinctive, paralyzing experience, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as heat, a tendency to look down, and a desire to shrink or hide. There are also Social & Developmental Roots: Shame is rooted in social interaction, often stemming from early life experiences with caregivers, rejection, or humiliation. In addition, psychologists have identified the Cycle of Avoidance: This means that in order to cope, people may adopt defensive mechanisms, such as blaming others, anger, or avoiding relationships, to prevent further rejection. At the same time, while intense shame is damaging, moderate, “healthy” shame can serve as a social guide, encouraging us to act ethically and maintain social bonds. As such, psychologists suggest that overcoming shame requires bringing it into the light, as it thrives in secrecy. Strategies include self-compassion, challenging the “inner critic,” and sharing experiences with trusted individuals to dismantle the belief in one’s unworthiness.

So, what does the bible say about shame or being ashamed? The Bible views shame as a result of sin (Genesis 3:10) that the Christ bore on the cross to remove, offering a new identity without condemnation (Hebrews 12:2). It promises that those who trust in God will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11) and encourages replacing shame with confidence in God’s grace. The bible teaches that shame entered the world through sin, causing Adam and Eve to hide. However, there are some common misconceptions: First, Shame vs. Conviction: While the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, leading to repentance, shame is a destructive force that makes one feel unworthy or hidden. Also, holding on to shame: Dwelling on past failures is portrayed as the enemy’s tactic to hinder one’s faith and walk with the Anointed One. For those in the Messiah, there is no condemnation, meaning the penalty of death for sin is removed.

In addition, God promised Israel that He would take away their shame and replace it with a double portion of everlasting joy because they were His children. (Isaiah 61:7). Furthermore, Isaiah is told that because of what His Anointed One has experienced, I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great because he has poured out his soul unto death. He was counted as a sinner, and he bore the sins of many, and he pleaded with God for sinners. (Isaiah 53:11, 54:4). Then we have David’s testimony, “I trust in You; do not let me be put to shame.” (Psalm 25:2). Then the apostle Paul states: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 1:16).  And to the Corinthians Paul states that “Anyone who belongs to the Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). For me, being ashamed of the gospel means that despite your faith and allegiance to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, there are some that the world thinks are illogical and out of date, and you ae embarrassed to share them. But, if the world’s opinion about the gospel doesn’t bother you or keep you quiet, then you too can say with Paul, “I am proud of the Good News, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16 – The Easy-to-Read Version.)