Ashamed can describe how we may feel when some shame, shaming, disgrace or disgracing has occurred in our lives.

Declarations such as, “You brought great shame upon the name of our family!” or, “The issue involving the company was a shame to all!” can create an undercurrent of shame resulting in feeling ashamed.

It this strikes a chord please read the apostle Paul’s tender encouragement to his younger protege, Timothy. Thankfully, Paul is not shaming Timothy for feeling ashamed. Instead, He is giving Timothy new perspectives to overcome chronic shame and feeling ashamed.

As you read, you may want to do an “egg hunt” for the three times “ashamed” is mentioned. They’ve been good eggs for me. Enjoy!

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus writes: “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.” (2 Timothy 1, ESV)

Hint: A key is the appreciation of suffering and not allowing Shame to shame us when we go through stuff. Ironically, Paul was a prison inmate as he wrote these things to Timothy. Some might see incarceration as the stuff of shame.

Please Connect by Commenting Below for the Community or click reply and write to me confidentially about what’s on your mind.

Giv’m heaven,
John Parker of Merced, California

P.S. Our next simple church style listening retreat will be November 15 and 16 in Los Gatos, California and at the beautiful Fasting Prayer Mountain by Scotts Valley, California. Please mark your calendar and watch for more information.

Read more: Difference Between Shame and Ashamed