Redeemed from Shame: Finding Healing from Wounds and Secrecy

The negative influence of shame often finds its place in our lives when we live from alternate identities that are not rooted and grounded in the love and grace we freely receive from our heavenly Father. According to Scripture, shame comes in two primary themes: warranted and unwarranted. Warranted shame always presents the knowledge of wrong actions, leading to conviction for the errors committed. This form often manifests in our conviction from the Holy Spirit after committing sin. Conviction always comes from the Holy Spirit and is coupled with hope and a pathway to forgiveness and restoration through repentance.

However, unwarranted shame only comes from the enemy as it carries the burden of a broken identity and inadequate value. This form of shame is seen in hiding, the burden of condemnation, and wearing masks to conceal the broken state of our hearts. Condemnation always comes from the enemy and is laden with despair and hopelessness.  

In the lives of countless people I have ministered to, shame has thrived in secrecy, feeding off their hidden struggles and fears. When left unsubmitted to the Lordship of Christ in our lives, shame will convince us to keep our burdens to ourselves, out of fear we will judged and rejected. When this feeling escalates, it is accompanied by isolation and a breeding ground for further bondage. Shame ultimately keeps us from experiencing the freedom and emotional healing God desires by working against God’s purpose for a life filled with abundance and liberty.  

Freedom from the negative influence of shame happens as we confront the lie of the enemy that says we must manage our burdens alone. In Christ, we are given a new identity and the divine assurance that nothing can separate us from God’s love. By partnering with God’s truth, we can believe we are forgiven, loved, chosen, significant, and valuable to our heavenly Father, regardless of our past mistakes or perceived inadequacies. By embracing our true identity as children of God, we can walk in the freedom and emotional healing that God has provided. 

Questions to Ask:  

1. What do you feel most ashamed about? 

   1. Are these feelings and emotions related to an event or actions from your past? 

   2. Do you need to confess and repent from any sinful actions or patterns? 

2. When you feel shameful emotions, how have you chosen to resolve them? 

3. Have you chosen to share these emotions/situations/memories surrounding them with anyone? 

4. How were emotions of shame addressed in your developmental years (ages 0 – 10 years)? 

   1. How were you affirmed in your childhood identity, ability, and self-image? 

5. Can you recall anyone who influenced shameful feelings or emotions? 

6. Are there any lies you believe about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by shame?  

Connected Influences: Disgrace, being different, embarrassment, guilt, humiliation, inferiority, regret, self-accusation, self-condemnation, self-hatred, of past sins, of past sexual sins, pity.  

Scriptural Truth:  

“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7) 

“Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood.” (Isaiah 54:4) 

“Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” (Isaiah 61:7) 

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16) 

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2) 

How to Pray for Breakthrough from Shame:

You may pray aloud, using each step below:

1. REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"

   
   

2. RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."

   1. "Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”

   2. "Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"

      
      

3. REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent of partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”

   1. Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).

      
      

4. RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"

   1. What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)

You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.

Encountering Abba's Heart