By Dr. Floyd Godfrey
Shame is a deeply personal and often hidden struggle that affects many Christians, quietly shaping how they relate to God, others, and themselves. It is more than just a fleeting emotion—it is a spiritual burden that, when left unaddressed, can distort one’s identity and hinder spiritual growth. Understanding the spiritual dangers of shame, and how it differs from guilt or embarrassment, is crucial for believers seeking healing and wholeness in Christ.
Defining Shame, Guilt, and Embarrassment
To grasp the spiritual danger of shame, it’s important to first distinguish it from guilt and embarrassment. Guilt arises when we recognize that we’ve done something wrong or violated our moral compass. It often leads to repentance and restoration—it can be a healthy, God-given response that moves us back toward righteousness. Embarrassment, by contrast, is often fleeting and tied to social discomfort or awkwardness. It rarely defines how we view ourselves long-term.
Shame, however, is different. Shame is not about what we have done, but about who we believe we are. It tells us that we are fundamentally flawed, unworthy, or unlovable. It often springs from past failures, abuses, or sinful choices but lingers in the form of deep personal rejection. As Capparucci (2021) explains, “Perhaps some choices you've made leave you feeling inadequate, insignificant, weak or stupid. Do you question God's love and commitment for you? Are you worried He has turned away, embarrassed by your actions? Does your shame label make you feel unloved?” (p. 8).
This type of inner narrative distorts our understanding of God's character and our relationship with Him. Unlike guilt, which says, “I did something wrong,” shame says, “I am wrong.” That distinction makes all the difference spiritually.
The Spiritual Toll of Shame
Shame poses a unique spiritual danger because it can lead believers to hide from God rather than turn to Him. Just as Adam and Eve hid after sinning in the Garden (Genesis 3:8-10), Christians today may conceal parts of themselves from God out of fear or unworthiness. Shame erodes our confidence in God’s love and leads to isolation, secrecy, and self-condemnation. It can drive individuals to overcompensate through performance-based faith, or worse, to give up on their spiritual journey altogether.
Capparucci (2021) warns of how widespread this struggle is within the church: “Although you may not realize it as you sit in church on Sundays, you are more than likely surrounded by like-minded Christians who also struggle with shame because of their self-defeating, even sinful, lifestyles and how they believe God views them” (p. 80). The shame many Christians carry is often unspoken, yet it’s a silent barrier keeping them from experiencing the full grace and healing offered through Christ.
Biblical Healing for Shame
The good news of the Gospel directly confronts the lie of shame. In Christ, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17), and our identity is no longer defined by past sins or personal failures. Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This means that while guilt can lead us to repentance, shame has no place in the life of a redeemed believer.
Jesus consistently reached out to those shunned by society—the adulterous woman (John 8), the tax collector (Luke 19), the leper (Luke 5). His ministry was not only about forgiveness but also about restoring dignity and worth to those burdened by shame. Likewise, Christians are called to both receive and extend that same healing grace.
To begin overcoming shame, believers must identify the lies they’ve accepted about themselves and replace them with the truth of God’s Word. This often involves community, confession, and counseling. Pastors and parents have a vital role to play in fostering environments of grace where individuals feel safe to admit struggles and find healing.
Conclusion
Shame is a powerful spiritual force that seeks to undermine a believer’s identity and intimacy with God. Unlike guilt, which can lead to repentance, or embarrassment, which passes quickly, shame roots itself in identity and whispers that we are beyond redemption. But through Christ, we are not defined by our past—we are beloved, redeemed, and made new. The church must become a place where shame is confronted, not concealed, and where God’s love is preached not only as forgiveness for sin, but as a restoration of dignity and identity.
Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.
References
Capparucci, E. (2021). Removing your shame label. Abundant Press.
