Guilt vs. Shame… huge difference

Guilt – The state of having committed an offense. Remorse cause by feeling responsible for some offence.

Shame- A painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt. A state of dishonor; “one mistake brought shame to all his family”

 

I have been reading there is a difference between guilt and shame. 

Guilt says I made a mistake

Shame says I am a mistake

Guilt is good it is a learning tool

Shame’s sequence: sin>shame>secrecy>seperation

Matthew 5:1-12 

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 

2 and he began to teach them saying: 

 3″Blessed are the poor in spirit, 

      for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

 4Blessed are those who mourn, 

      for they will be comforted. 

 5Blessed are the meek, 

      for they will inherit the earth. 

 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 

      for they will be filled. 

 7Blessed are the merciful, 

      for they will be shown mercy. 

 8Blessed are the pure in heart, 

      for they will see God. 

 9Blessed are the peacemakers, 

      for they will be called sons of God. 

 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, 

      for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 11″Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

This is such a encouragement from Christ. He wasn’t speaking to the multitudes. Notice in verse 1-2 the multitudes came and then Jesus walked up to the mountain side. So he can have a encouraging word for his disciples (the chosen 12). These verses were made for the Christians, not for the world. then vs 3 is like James 4:6 he gives grace to the humble. For our reward is the Kingdom of God. I can go on down every vs but it speaks for its self. If we Love the Lord Jesus and follow him. It isn’t gonna be easy, but it will be rewarding. We all have sinned and fallen short. But that doesn’t mean we stop seeking for his righteousness.  Because his righteousness and the kingdom of God is far more important than anything we think, feel or do here on earth. So going back to the beginning of what I wrote. Yes I may sin and I have guilt and God uses the Holy Spirit to bring that. But I am not ashamed of who I am. I am ashamed of the sick sin that was in me. But I know Jesus forgives me and gives me the strength to walk away from that sin and do it NO MORE! But I really like vs 11. I know I say I have a lot of vs. but this is definitely one of the best (and has been for years), especially for encouragement. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  I do know some people might think I am crazy by the way I live, or by what I choose to do with my life, so. Because no matter what he is on my (our) side, If God is for us who can be against us? who cares? My reward is Heaven with Jesus.  So I need to rejoice and be GLAD!! Thanks Jesus. I love you 

~ by timmysthoughts on April 25, 2008.