Bible Passage: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
When my son was young and got in trouble, I saw how quickly he fell into shame. I wasn’t trying to do it, but it just seemed to happen. He would turn away, refuse to look me in the eye, mumble his answers—the look on his face betraying the shame he was feeling.
To avoid that awful feeling, he would often hide his mistakes and pull away when he’d done something wrong, repeating the actions of Adam and Eve at the beginning of our story.
When he had done wrong, I wanted him corrected, but I certainly didn’t want him to carry that ungodly weight. Once he had acknowledged his error and made amends (if needed), he was welcomed into my arms, loved and affirmed, and (hopefully) lifted free of any lasting shame.
Something about shame makes us want to pull away from God and others. It doesn’t feel good, and we don’t want to be seen in that state.
But the irony is that although shame naturally pulls us away, it’s actually through engaging with God and others that shame can be lifted.
Pulling away keeps us spiraling with our own thoughts and unpleasant feelings, and keeps us locked in that lonely place.
But men need others to open up to, to lean on, to speak into our lives. We need those who can lift us up when we are low. We can’t do this alone; we need brothers in arms who can carry us at times, even (and especially?) in our shame.
Today’s verses remind us of our need to join our lives with others who can encourage us. Shame rarely seems to lift all by itself, but with other brothers that you trust, you can talk and pray your way through whatever burden you are carrying (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
Don’t let shame pull you away from real help. Push through the tough part and find the freedom that comes when other brothers come alongside you.
Prayer: Lord, bring others to me whom I can trust and who can help me follow You without shame. Help me to be a good brother to them, as well. Amen.
Reflection: Connect with at least one brother in the Lord today for some conversation and mutual encouragement!
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