I feel ashamed
Guilt says "I did something bad." Shame says "I am bad." God speaks a different word over you: loved, forgiven, and wanted.
What God's word says
11For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”
4I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5They looked to him, and were radiant. Their faces shall never be covered with shame.
4“Don’t be afraid, for you will not be ashamed. Don’t be confounded, for you will not be disappointed. For you will forget the shame of your youth. You will remember the reproach of your widowhood no more.
17The LORD, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.
38For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (WEB), public domain.
A prayer you can pray
Jesus, shame has been telling me lies about who I am. Please speak the truth over me. You carried my shame on the cross, and I do not have to carry it anymore. Help me to receive your love. Amen.
A next step
Tell one safe person what you have been carrying. Shame loses power when it is spoken to someone who responds with grace.
Something else on your mind?
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US) or call 911. More help.