THOUGHTS ABOUT SELF-ESTEEM: GUILT AND SHAME

Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons (Genesis 3:7).

Adam and Eve had just eaten the fruit that God had told them specifically not to eat.  Guilt is a legal term.  If one violates the law, he is guilty of it.  Shame is the feeling of worthlessness that one should have as a result of violating the law.  Adam and Eve felt the shame, and therefore, sewed fig leaves together to cover their nakedness.  Verse 8 of Genesis 3 tells us that they then tried to hide from God.  Their actions indicated their shame--shame accompanies sin.

I've often wondered if all the tattoos that men and women cover themselves with these days are attempts to cover the shame they feel.  Perhaps that is a subject for research.  Guilt and shame are not always the cause of low self-esteem, but much of the time they are.  If one is suffering from low self-esteem, it is worth taking some time to probe around in the past to see if there are some "Adam & Eve" moments of unfaithfulness and disobedience that have been covered in psychological fig leaves that need to be uncovered.

Shame is the feeling of worthlessness that results from wrong-doing, real or imagined.  Those suffering from shame must remember that the value of any object is always established by the one who purchases it.  Think about it, God has established your worth by purchasing you with the precious blood of his only Son, Jesus Christ!  Regardless of your sin, guilt and shame, your worth has been established by God (John 3:16-17).

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom