Guilt vs Shame: What's the difference?

It wasn’t that long ago when I finally understood that there is a difference between guilt and shame. If you look up the definition of guilt, you will find that guilt is focused on something you do. An example of that would be: you said something mean to a family member or friend that was hurtful. You feel guilty and then apologize. But shame focuses on your identity, and you say, because of what you said or did, you are a bad person, a mean person, or a hurtful person. The shame is saying, “You are flawed and unworthy.”

Sometimes my past has a way of sneaking up on me and smacking me right in the face, but instead of me saying I repented for the sins I committed and forgave those that were committed against me, shame tells me, “I am a disappointment to God and my family, and no matter what I do, I will never be a good person or worthy of God’s forgiveness and love.” Wow, no wonder I struggle with depression. Shame is a heavy load that I have carried for way too long.

How about you? Are you carrying a heavy load of guilt and shame? Are you believing the lies of your enemy? Are the battles you find yourself in caused by guilt or shame? Because guilt is based on something you did, confess that sin. Then remind yourself of what the following Scriptures say. Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed your transgressions.” Isaiah 43:25 “I Am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers them no more.” I know you don’t always forget, but you don’t have the right to continually live thinking God is remembering your confessed sins.

As for shame, I think Isaiah 50:7 says it best. “For the Lord God will help Me; therefore, I will not be disgraced; therefore I set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.” Don’t live in shame. God loves you and calls you His own. I encourage you to tell yourself daily:

Gram