What is the difference between shame and being ashamed? Shame is something that is given and when someone owns that shame they feel ashamed. Shame works from outside a person whereas being ashamed works from the inside out. When someone does not receive the shame given by another they are either shameless or innocent.
Jesus tells us that being ashamed of him or his word has eternal consequences.
25 What is a man benefited if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and that of the Father and the holy angels. (Luke 9)
The Apostle Peter reminds us that being ashamed is optional. Glorifying God is a better response.
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (1 Peter 4:16)
In Australia, to be a Christian openly brings shame and results in exclusion, shameful labels, and even a call to silence in the public arena. We must never own that shame. We must not be silent, but press on, declaring the truth in love.
So I am eager to preach the good news to you also who are in Rome [Sydney] for I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes… (Romans 1:15-16)
Being silent about Jesus because we fear shame is a tragedy. Our silence denies those who shame us the opportunity to be saved.
Denis Oliver