Carl Jung called shame “the swampland of the soul.” A swamp seems to be the most accurate depiction of this cutting emotion, because when we experience shame – that sense that our failures and brokenness have left us completely unworthy of love and belonging – it can seem impossible to move through it. When we come face to face with our imperfection we often allow it to paralyze us and become stuck in the reality that who we really are doesn’t always match who we think we are.

In the book of Matthew (18:21-35; 26:21-35; 26:69-75) we see that Jesus offers grace, knowing full well the gap that exists between our true selves and our idealized selves. We see that Jesus knows of our faults and failures, of all the ways that we have fallen short of perfection, and loves and accepts us all the same. We see the promise of limitless forgiveness, and we are invited to extend it to ourselves.

Questions for Reflection:

• Have you ever set limits to your forgiveness of others? Of yourself?

• In what ways can you relate to the unforgiving servant, who acknowledged but could not accept forgiveness?

• In what ways can you relate to Peter, who experienced the full grief of his shame?

• How can you begin to move through shame and allow God’s forgiveness to transform you in the process?