Unburdened – Releasing Shame, Receiving Freedomਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 1: The First Shame – Adam and Eve

Scripture: Genesis 3:7-10

Devotional Thought:
Shame entered the world in the very beginning. When Adam and Eve sinned, their first instinct was to hide. They had walked freely with God, but now, covered in shame, they felt exposed. They sewed fig leaves together in a desperate attempt to cover themselves, and when they heard God’s voice, they hid among the trees.

Isn’t that what we do when we feel shame? We hide. Maybe not behind trees, like Adam and Eve, but behind perfectionism, success, or even avoidance. Shame tells us we are no longer worthy of love and that if people (or God) knew who we truly were, we’d be rejected. But God did not leave Adam and Eve in their shame. He called out to them, “Where are you?” Not because He didn’t know but because He wanted them to come to Him.

Even though their sin had consequences, God didn’t leave them without hope. He covered them with garments of skin (Genesis 3:21), symbolizing how He would one day cover all our shame through Jesus. The first animal sacrifice in Scripture foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus, who bore our shame on the cross.

Bringing It to Today:
How often do you hide because of shame? Do you avoid people, keep silent about struggles, or work harder to prove your worth? Shame thrives in secrecy, but healing begins when we bring it to light.

Practical Step:
Today, take a moment to name your shame. Write down the areas where you feel unworthy or where you’ve been hiding. Then, in a symbolic act, rip up or burn the paper, reminding yourself that Jesus has already carried this shame. Spend prayer, asking God to replace your shame with His love.

Prayer Focus:
God, I don’t want to hide from You anymore. You see everything, and yet You still love me. Help me to come out of hiding and trust You to cover me in Your grace. Thank You for sending Jesus to take my shame. It is in the name of Jesus we pray, amen.