Shame is something we all face at one point or another. When we do something wrong or are reminded of our past, shame and guilt are quick to swoop in. Shame is that heavy, eerie feeling that often whispers, “You’re not good enough!” Shame tries to make our past and our mistakes define us in an attempt to keep us stuck and disconnected from God.
But thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. The truth is that God’s Word speaks hope into our lives. The Bible even says that the blood of Jesus speaks a better word (Hebrews 12:24). If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible says about shame, you’re in the right place. In this blog, you’ll find hope and comfort from the many Bible verses about shame and encouragement from the Bible verses about shame and guilt. Bible verses for shame provide us with comfort and remind us of God’s forgiveness and love. Let’s explore what we can learn about shame in the Bible and how the scriptures give us hope to overcome shame.
What Does the Bible Say About Shame?
When it comes to shame in the Bible, we find that the scriptures are in unity. Bible verses about shame and guilt point to the forgiving and loving heart of God. While you may experience shame from time to time, God doesn’t want you to be stuck in it.
In the very beginning of the Bible, we see that shame entered the world through sin. When Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin came crashing into our world. But, in His kindness, God started writing a story of redemption. God sent His son, Jesus, into the world to save us from our sin and free us from our shame. Jesus was fully God, fully man, and He died on the cross so that we can experience freedom through Him and so that we can go to Heaven! God consistently meets His people with grace and love, covering their shame, healing their hearts, and restoring their identity in Him, as a son or a daughter of God. Shame doesn’t get the last word in the Bible – God’s love and forgiveness do!
If you’ve never accepted Jesus before, today is your day! Jesus came to earth to save you from the power of sin and death. When you receive Jesus into your heart, you surrender your life and your ways to Him. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can be free from the guilt and shame of your mistakes.
Pray a prayer of salvation and learn more about how much Jesus loves you in our blog: This is For You!
Scriptures About Shame
Bible verses about shame show us that God doesn’t want us to live under the weight of shame. Thankfully, scriptures dealing with shame often show us the heart of God and a way out of the heaviness that guilt and condemnation bring. Bible verses on shame often require action, like renewing our minds or meditating on how powerful Jesus’ sacrifice was on the cross. Overcoming shame is possible through these scriptures, so let’s get into the top 12 Bible verses about shame:
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! - Psalm 31:1
Reading all of Psalm 31 is a great way to learn more about how to overcome shame. This Bible verse on shame highlights the prayer of the author, “Let me not be put to shame.” Overcoming shame scriptures are often tied to prayer, worship, and connection with God.
Learn more about how to pray in our FREE e-book: Let’s Talk About Prayer: Simple Steps to Connect with God
As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame" - Romans 10:11
Bible verses about shame encourage us to look to Jesus. When we believe in Jesus, we are freed from the weight of guilt and shame. This scripture for dealing with shame tells us that because of our belief in Jesus, we won’t be put to shame. Hallelujah! This is good news.
You can listen to the song “Come to Jesus” by Steffany Gretzinger to combat shame and breathe hope into your day.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 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
Bible verses about shame sometimes mention the shame of the cross. The only reason we can have freedom from shame is because Jesus took our shame on the cross. In ancient times, death by Roman Crucifixion was considered a shameful way to die. It was also extremely painful, and we actually get the word “excruciating” from the Latin word “excruciare,” which means to torment. Thank you, Jesus, for saving us from the weight of sin and shame! Whatever your mistakes are, Jesus has paid for them.
Practicing gratitude is a great way to overcome shame and grow closer to God. Learn more about the power of gratitude in our blog: What Are the Benefits of Gratitude in the Bible?
Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. - Isaiah 61:7
Bible verses about shame and guilt show us the redemption of God. This overcoming shame scripture is from Isaiah. It shows us the kindness of God to take our shame and give us a double portion of His goodness and joy.
Learn more about how to have joy, even when things are tough: Can We Have Joy & Peace in Difficult Times?
Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. - Isaiah 54:4
This Bible verse about shame tells us not to be afraid. Because of God’s kindness and faithfulness, we don’t have to worry if He’ll put us to shame. Overcoming shame scriptures show us that God wants us to be at peace in what He’s accomplished, rather than be in fear.
No matter what you’re walking through, you can overcome fear: 21 Bible Verses for When You’re Anxious or Afraid
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame - Psalm 34:5
This Bible verse about shame tells us that when we look to God, we’ll never be ashamed! Overcoming shame scriptures encourage us to keep our eyes on God, receive His love, and remember His faithfulness so we won’t give in to fear.
Feeling far from God? You can connect with Him today: 11 Bible Verses for When You Feel Far From God
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus - Romans 8:1
Wow, what good news! This overcoming shame scripture reminds us that there is no guilt, no shame, and no condemnation if we’ve accepted Jesus into our hearts! Hallelujah! You can renew your mind on this scripture by listening to the song “Strong Love” by Jon Thurlow.
I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. - Psalm 25:2
Trusting in God is a theme in Bible verses about shame. Scriptures dealing with shame remind us to trust in the character of God, knowing that He is faithful to free us from the weight of guilt and shame.
And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. - Romans 5:5
The hope of God is faithful to keep us from the weight of shame. Jesus is sometimes referred to in the scriptures as the “Blessed Hope” (Titus 2:13). Because of our blessed hope that Jesus will return to the earth and make all the wrong things right, we can rest in the promise of His love that frees us from shame.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. - Psalm 103:12
Psalm 103 is an awesome scripture dealing with shame. It reminds us of God’s love and His pursuit of our hearts. To read more Bible verses about God’s love for you, read our blog: 15 Bible Verses About God’s Love For You
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Bible verses about shame show us that when we believe in Jesus, we become a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come, and now we’re disciples of Jesus, sharing His love everywhere we go. Scriptures dealing with shame address the shame we’re experiencing in our lives so that we can share Jesus’ freedom with others!
Learn more in our blog: How to Share Your Faith Without Fear
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. - Hebrews 10:22
When we draw near to God, we experience freedom from shame. Bible verses about shame show us that the presence of God is like a repellent to guilt and shame. Overcoming shame scriptures fill us with hope and courage to not dwell on the past, but rather look to the future with hope and joy.
Related Post: 11 Bible Verses About Hope to Start the New Year
Conclusion
As you can see, Bible verses about shame encourage us that we’re made right with God if we’ve accepted Jesus into our hearts. Scriptures dealing with shame always point us back to the cross and Jesus’ powerful act of redemption and salvation. Shame in the Bible is met with God’s love, grace, and mercy. Only in rare circumstances does God use shame as a motivator to repentance (Genesis 3:10, 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 1 Peter 3:16). The majority of the time, God is redeeming us from the weight of guilt and shame. Overcoming shame scriptures are a great way to grow closer to God on your journey to everyday faith.
