I started seminary this week, and we are reading through a book called “Misreading Scripture Through Individualist Eyes” by Randolph Richards and Richard James.

One of the topics this book covers is the Eastern versus Western view of “shame.” In the West we put all shame in a negative box. But let me pose a question. If someone murdered a neighbor and wasn’t ashamed of themselves, wouldn’t that be a bad thing?

There is a positive version of shame, and Eastern cultures are very aware of it. In fact, they have 18 different words and nuances to describe shame. Wow! In their cultural context, shame can be used positively or negatively. The positive use of shame actually restores and prevents bad behavior. A person does not do something they know is bad because it will reflect poorly on their collective group or family. They know it will shame their family, name, and reputation, and so they do not go through with it. That is a good kind of shame!

Interesting.

I’m still learning much about this concept. But I want to challenge you to think about shame in a new way.

• Romans 1:16 NASB 1995 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

• Boldness is associated with not being ashamed for the gospel! The Good News is honorable.

• Ezra 9:6  “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads and our guilt has grown even to the heavens.”

• Shame leads to repentance and humility before God.

• Psalm 35:26 says, “Let those be ashamed and humiliated altogether who rejoice at my distress; Let those be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves over me.”

• Shame is actually to be celebrated when it is in the right context! Wow. This take a minute to wrap my head around.

• Hosea 4:7 “The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame.”

• God is intentionally shaming here, and it is an honorable action on His part.

• 1 Cor. 1:27 “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,”

Dig into the Word this week and consider the concept of shame. Let’s use this tool for good. We can shame people up, or we can shame them down. Let’s be people who call people higher, toward intimacy with Jesus and a lifestyle of righteousness!

Blessings on your family this week,

Joyfully,
Rachel B.