Where is the Shame?

   We live in a society that has somehow convinced itself that shame is a bad thing.  We are told that self-reproach lessens self-esteem and harms the psyche.  We may do evil but we must recognize that we are, after all, only human and our faults do not define us.  It's not really our fault so we needn't feel guilt.  I think we are fooling ourselves and destroying society with this kind of thinking.  If we have no shame for heinous acts, no guilt for the evil committed, we will allow virtually any evil to exist.

   In fact our acts do define us in many ways and, yes, we are responsible for our personal decisions.  We are both blessed and cursed with free will.  When we choose evil we have only ourselves to blame.  There are many sources of temptation to evil, but we make the final decision.

   A mother decides to kill the baby in her womb because it’s not convenient to have a child.  Children are abused and even killed by their parents.  Are not these reasons for shame and guilt?  We are rightfully outraged when we see an animal that has been abused and hold the abuser responsible.  Yet abortion, the greatest child abuse of all, is commonplace and we are told that is a “woman’s health issue" and a right.  What of the health of the female infant that will be killed and tossed aside as so much trash; what of her rights?  How can we tolerate such evil and feel no shame for allowing it to continue?

   If society is to survive, shame and self-reproach for the evil we do is necessary.  If we are to be a part of God’s family there is a need for guilt for our sinful acts.  Only by recognizing evil and feeling shame and guilt for it can we begin to overcome it.  As long as we have no shame for evil acts they will continue and will become even more evil.  Only by accepting responsibility for our wrongs can we begin to change.  Only through the love, forgiveness and strength of God can we overcome evil.

Lord, we need to know shame for the evil we commit.

We need to acknowledge our guilt.

We need to turn to You for forgiveness and strength

We need Your Holy Spirit within us.

Amen