Mind Your Heart, Part 1: What Is Shame?
Shame is the fear of not being accepted, of being found out, of being discovered. Like Adam and Eve, we want to hide in our shame. But even though life isn’t safe, Jesus is.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing about this message that you found particularly compelling, encouraging, challenging, or beneficial?
- Read and discuss Genesis 2:25-3:10. What changed for the first man and woman? What do you note about the power of shame? What other examples in Scripture can you think of that demonstrate shame and its effects?
- What is the difference between embarrassment and shame? How do they affect how we relate to God and man?
- In what ways are you prone to be driven by shame?
- Do you ever find yourself asking the questions, “Is today the day people will find out who I really am?” Why or why not?
- How is shame connected to personal identity?
- How does the gospel remedy shame? How does the gospel of Jesus Christ provide safety in our fears and context for our identity?
- Spend some time in prayer for the things you’ve discussed. Ask God to reveal those areas of shame that keep you from engaging with Him and others and to help you live from the power of His gospel.