Taken from the “Not a Slave” devotional series at Legacy Christian Church.

“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.”

-Hebrews 12:2

We see the first example of shame being experienced in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned their immediate feeling was one of shame, they tried to hide from God. Just as sin entered mankind through Adam and Eve, so did shame. Shame is the result of sin.

We see Jesus experiencing shame on the cross as He took our sin upon himself, becoming the final sacrifice. He experienced the shame that results from sin and “scorned it.” He hated it with contempt. You could say: Jesus passionately hated shame.

Why does God hate shame? Shame causes us to hide from God. We replay our shortcomings over and over in our minds and develop an image of ourselves that is different than who God says we are as His Children. God has shown in so many ways that He is approachable as a loving Father, but we choose so many times to let shame prevent us from experiencing everything He has for us. As God is desiring a relationship with us, shame tells us to “run and hide.” The Holy Spirit says “come to me,” but shame says “I don’t want to see you.”

God has forgiven us of our sins and banished the shame that results, so we should not be shaming others either. How often do we speak words that bring shame to someone either publicly or secretly among friends? God has forgiven the person, it is not our place to punish them with shame. Romans 12:10 tells us that we are to “Honor one another above yourselves.” This paints a picture that is far different from our tendency to try to punish with shame a person who has offended us.

What was God’s response to Adam and Eve’s feeling of shame? He clothed them. He met them where they were and removed their shame, so they could once again stand before Him.

Because of Jesus taking our sin, we can approach God confidently and be unhindered in our worship of Him.

Let God’s love for you rule in your life and in your relationships with others. Don’t be enslaved or try to enslave others with shame.