Shame is something we all face, but the Bible reminds us that we are never beyond God’s forgiveness. Jesus offers freedom from guilt and shame, inviting us to live in His grace. Today, we’ll look at what the Bible says about being ashamed and how we can find healing in God’s love.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Does God Hate Any Humans He Has Created
What Does The Bible Say About Being Ashamed
2 Timothy 1:8
“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”
This verse encourages believers not to be ashamed of their faith in Jesus and the Gospel message. It emphasizes the importance of standing firm and boldly proclaiming the truth, even in the face of persecution or ridicule.
Instead of being ashamed, we are called to embrace the suffering that may come from following Christ, relying on the power of God to sustain us. This verse reminds us that being unashamed of our faith allows us to be united with other believers in the shared experience of suffering for the sake of the gospel.
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
Paul expresses his unapologetic stance towards the gospel in this verse. He acknowledges that the message of salvation through Jesus may be seen as foolish or offensive by some, but he remains unashamed.
Paul recognizes that the gospel has the power to save anyone who believes, regardless of their background or ethnicity. This verse encourages believers to confidently share the gospel and trust in its transformative power.
Mark 8:38
“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Jesus warns about the consequences of being ashamed of Him and His teachings. He highlights the significance of openly acknowledging and following Him, even in a world engulfed by sin and unfaithfulness.
By being ashamed of Jesus, we risk Him being ashamed of us when He returns in glory. This verse serves as a reminder that our faith should not be hidden or kept secret, but rather boldly proclaimed for all to see.
Psalm 25:2-3
“I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.”
David expresses his trust in God, seeking protection from shame and victory over his enemies. He acknowledges that those who place their hope in God will never be put to shame, while shame will be the outcome for those who act deceitfully without reason.
When we trust in God, we can have confidence that He will shield us from shame and ensure that our enemies do not prevail over us. This verse reminds us to place our hope in God and rely on His faithfulness.
1 Peter 4:16
“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
Peter encourages believers not to be ashamed if they face persecution or suffer for being a follower of Christ. Instead, he urges them to praise God for the privilege of being called Christians.
When we suffer for our faith, it is an opportunity to demonstrate our allegiance to Christ and bring glory to His name. This verse reminds us to embrace any hardships we may encounter because of our faith and to find joy in bearing the name of Christ.
Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
This proverb contrasts the behavior of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked are driven by fear and shame, even when no one is pursuing them. In contrast, the righteous are depicted as bold and courageous, like a lion.
As believers, we are called to live righteously and not be swayed by the fear of what others may think or do. This verse encourages us to stand firm in our faith and boldly proclaim the truth, knowing that our righteousness comes from God.
Luke 9:26
“Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Jesus emphasizes the consequences of being ashamed of Him and His teachings once again. He warns that if someone disowns Him or His words, He will disown them when He returns in His glory, accompanied by the Father and the holy angels.
This verse serves as a reminder that our loyalty to Christ should surpass any fear of shame or rejection. Our relationship with Jesus should be cherished and openly acknowledged, as He is deserving of our unwavering devotion and allegiance.
Isaiah 50:7
“Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.”
In this passage, the prophet Isaiah expresses his trust in the Lord, declaring that he will not be disgraced or put to shame. He demonstrates his unwavering determination to do God’s will, regardless of the circumstances.
When we trust in God’s help and align ourselves with His purposes, we can face any challenges without fear of shame. This verse encourages us to stand firm in our faith and remain committed to following God’s will, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate us.
Philippians 1:20
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Paul expresses his desire to never be ashamed but to have unwavering courage in exalting Christ. He hopes that whether in life or in death, Christ will be exalted and glorified through him.
This verse reminds us of the importance of living in a way that brings honor to Christ, even in the face of challenges or adversity. It inspires us to pray for the courage and strength to boldly represent Christ and bring glory to His name.
Psalm 119:46
“I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame.”
The psalmist pledges to speak of God’s statutes, even in the presence of kings, and declares that he will not be put to shame in doing so. He expresses his commitment to proclaiming and upholding God’s truth.
This verse serves as an encouragement for believers to boldly declare God’s truth, regardless of the audience or the potential consequences. By standing firm in our faith and boldly speaking the truth, we can trust that God will enable us to face any situation without shame.
Romans 10:11
“As Scripture says, anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
Paul quotes the Scripture to affirm that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will never be put to shame. This promise ensures that those who place their trust in Jesus will not be disappointed or disgraced.
This verse offers comfort and reassurance to believers, reminding us that our faith in Christ guarantees our eternal salvation and secures our standing in God’s kingdom. It encourages us to hold fast to our belief in Christ without fear of shame.
Psalm 34:5
“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
This psalm celebrates the radiant joy and confidence of those who look to God for help. It emphasizes that those who seek the Lord’s presence and guidance will never be overwhelmed by shame.
When we fix our eyes on God and trust in His faithfulness, He fills us with an inner radiance that cannot be dimmed by shame. This verse reminds us of the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives and encourages us to seek Him wholeheartedly.
1 John 2:28
“And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.”
John exhorts believers to remain in Christ, cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with Him. By doing so, when Christ returns, we can confidently stand before Him without shame.
This verse calls us to live in a way that aligns with our faith, demonstrating our commitment to Christ’s teachings and reflecting His character in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a close connection with Christ to ensure that we will face His return unashamed.
Psalm 119:80
“May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.”
The psalmist expresses a desire to wholeheartedly follow God’s decrees, recognizing that doing so will protect them from shame. By faithfully obeying God’s commands, the psalmist seeks to honor Him and avoid disgrace.
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted obedience to God’s Word. It encourages us to embrace God’s commands and live in a way that reflects His righteousness, knowing that it guards us against shame.
Acts 4:13
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
This verse describes the reaction of the religious leaders when they witnessed the courage and wisdom displayed by Peter and John. They were amazed by the boldness of these ordinary, uneducated men and recognized that they had been influenced by Jesus.
It serves as a powerful reminder that when we spend time with Jesus and allow His presence to transform us, we can overcome any feelings of shame or inadequacy. By relying on His strength and wisdom, we can boldly proclaim the truth and make a significant impact in the world.
Psalm 31:1-2
“In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”
This psalm begins with a plea for God’s protection and deliverance, expressing the psalmist’s desire to never be put to shame. The psalmist seeks refuge in God, acknowledging His righteousness and sovereignty.
When we place our trust in the Lord and seek His refuge, we can find comfort and assurance that He will rescue us from any situation that may bring shame. This verse reflects the psalmist’s reliance on God as his fortress and source of salvation.
1 Peter 2:6
“For in Scripture it says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.'”
Peter quotes from Scripture to affirm the trustworthy nature of Jesus Christ, whom he describes as a chosen and precious cornerstone. He assures believers that those who place their trust in Christ will never experience shame.
This verse emphasizes the reliability and faithfulness of Jesus as the foundation of our faith. It encourages us to entrust our lives to Him, knowing that He will always prove Himself worthy of our trust and protect us from shame.
Psalm 25:20
“Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.”
This psalmist implores God to protect and rescue them, pleading not to be put to shame. The psalmist expresses their complete reliance on God, seeking refuge in Him.
When we turn to God for refuge and place our lives in His care, we can trust that He will shield us from shame. This verse serves as a reminder of our need to depend on God’s protection and salvation in all circumstances.
Jeremiah 17:7
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah highlights the blessing that comes from placing our trust in the Lord and having confidence in Him. By relying on God, we can navigate life with a sense of security and assurance that surpasses any potential shame or disappointment.
This verse encourages us to anchor our faith in the Lord and place our confidence in Him alone. It reminds us that true blessing comes when we trust in God and entrust our lives to His care.
Psalm 71:1
“In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.”
The psalmist declares their confidence in God as their refuge, praying to never be put to shame. They express their desire to find safety and security in the Lord, trusting Him to protect them from disgrace.
This verse echoes the psalmist’s unwavering reliance on God’s faithfulness and His ability to keep them from shame. It encourages us to seek refuge in the Lord and trust Him to guard our lives and reputations.
1 Corinthians 1:27-28
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are.”
Paul highlights God’s wisdom in choosing the unlikely and disregarded things of the world to bring about His purposes. In doing so, God undermines the pride of the wise and the strong, turning societal expectations on their head.
This verse reminds us that God’s ways are not like the ways of the world. He often uses the weak, lowly, and despised to accomplish great things, thereby nullifying the perceived importance of worldly achievements. It encourages us to humbly embrace our role in God’s kingdom, knowing that He can use us despite any feelings of insignificance or shame.