Levo
Bible verses for shame
When I feel worthless
The lie
I am what I did. If people really knew me, they'd leave.
The truth
Guilt says I did something wrong. Shame says I am something wrong. Jesus carried both. In Him you are not condemned, and your worst moment doesn't get to name you.
More truth
- If this shame comes from something someone did to you, it isn't your sin and you don't need to confess it. You were wronged. Forgiving them never means staying in danger or keeping it secret. Tell a safe adult, or open Urgent help.
- Bring it into the light. Shame only lives in the dark.
- You are not what you did. You are who God says you are.
- Conviction leads you to Jesus. Shame leads you away from Him. Notice which voice you're hearing.
Pause
Stop. Breathe. Shame says you are the problem. Listen to what God says instead. Jesus carried your shame on the cross.
My verses
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed.
Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame; do not be intimidated, for you will not be humiliated. For you will forget the shame of your youth and will remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.
It is just as the Scripture says: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life.
Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence.
Behold, at that time, I will deal with all who afflict you. I will save the lame and gather the scattered; and I will appoint praise and fame for the disgraced throughout the earth.
Pray
Jesus, I feel worthless and dirty. You took my shame on the cross, and You're not ashamed to call me Yours. Help me believe what You say about me more than what I feel. Lift my head. Amen.
Your way out
- Say out loud: There is no condemnation for me in Christ.
- Write down the lie you're believing about yourself, and the truth next to it.
- Tell one safe person what you're carrying.
- Step outside and get some daylight.
- Don't punish yourself. Jesus already paid.
If it turns dark
If you're thinking about hurting yourself, or about not wanting to be here, please talk to a real person now. You matter more than you can feel right now.
Not safe, or thinking about hurting yourself?Get help nowAll countries
New Zealand
Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865
If you're thinking about suicide, or worried about someone. 7am to midnight.
Australia
United Kingdom
Ireland
United States
Canada
Germany
Austria
Rat auf Draht 147
For children and young people, free and anonymous. Also if someone threatens to share your pictures. Any time.
Switzerland
Pro Juventute 147
For children and young people. Also WhatsApp and chat at 147.ch, and if someone threatens to share your pictures. Any time.
Somewhere else? Call your local emergency number, or find a free helpline for your country at findahelpline.com.
If it won't lift
If shame feels crushing, or you can't stop putting yourself down, talk to a pastor or a Christian counsellor. Old wounds often need more than a moment to heal.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Go deeper: Lift your head
Five days in the Bible on this, one passage a day.
- Hiding Genesis 3:7-10
- Neither do I condemn you John 8:2-11
- She loved much Luke 7:36-50
- Beauty for ashes Isaiah 61:1-3
- Despising the shame Hebrews 12:1-3