Shame is Destruction

"I do not like the cone of shame" - Dug

Shame is a horrible, horrible thing.  It is utterly destructive.  We don't normally think of shame as being destructive... but it is.  Shame cuts off activity -- good that would have been done is squashed because of shame.  Shame makes people cower, be isolated and alone -- it destroys everything that creation is supposed to be.

That has been one reason why I've never been too fond of the whole "shame on you" sort of approach.  I mean... shame is an excellent way to curtail bad behavior, I suppose... but it never creates, it never puts something else that is good back in its place.  And what's sad is shame is pervasive... the shame in one area or aspect of your life can creep and petrify you in areas totally unrelated.

"Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
    and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
⁸  Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
     reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
⁹ Give instruction^[b] to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;    teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."

See that there... where's the casting of shame?  Now, there is correction.. .there is reproof.  There is the giving of instruction and teaching.  And see... correction seeks to make something... correct.  It tears but to build again.  Reproving... wants to proof, to make something test worthy again.  Instruction and teaching bring something positive.

The Law kills.  That's its job.  But it kills so that the New Man might arise forth.  We are to speak the Law, not to shame, not to leave in condemnation, but so that there might be repentance and life.

You have sin.  Christ has atoned for your sin and you are forgiven.  Your sins are on Christ; they are not yours anymore.  Go on and live... not in shame but in forgiveness.