Shame is a common struggle among college students, often manifesting as feelings of inadequacy, fear of failure, and self-doubt. One in five undergraduates considers leaving their program due to mental health challenges, according to Gallup research.

Students experiencing shame may withdraw from activities, miss classes, or isolate themselves. While they might not explicitly use the word "shame," they frequently express feeling "not good enough" or point to specific disappointments as evidence of their perceived inadequacy.

The solution isn't simply highlighting students' accomplishments. Instead, addressing shame requires understanding its relationship with truth and the gospel:

Shame's Distortion of Truth:

• Claims something is "unfixably wrong" with a person
• Acknowledges human depravity but ignores Christ's redemption
• Overlooks the truth that believers in Christ are no longer condemned

How Shame Attempts to Replace God:

• Sets impossible standards for self-worth
• Ties value to performance and accomplishments
• Creates false narratives about debt and earning love

Overcoming Shame Through Christ:

• Recognizes that all fall short of God's perfect standard
• Relies on Jesus's perfect record rather than personal achievement
• Embraces being simultaneously unworthy yet deeply loved by God

The gospel provides the ultimate answer to shame by revealing that while we are undeserving, we are completely accepted and valued by God through Christ. Students struggling with shame need not hide their perceived inadequacies but can find security in being "hidden with Christ."

This paradox of being both unworthy and deeply loved forms the core of Christian identity and offers true freedom from shame's crushing weight.

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