Feeling embarrassed about our faith doesn’t make us bad people, but it does reveal deeper issues that need God’s healing. This internal struggle usually stems from the fear of being rejected, and in turn, we protect ourselves by remaining quiet about our beliefs.
Once we understand what fuels our hesitation, we’re able to seek God’s help in specific ways and move past surface-level embarrassment. In the Bible, we are assured of the Holy Spirit’s guidance to give us the right words at the right time. We don’t have to worry about having all the answers; we depend on the One who does. So, if you’re ready to stop feeling embarrassed about your faith, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind.
Understand What’s Behind It
Like a stubborn weed growing in a flower garden, pulling the visible part of the plant isn’t sufficient to keep it from growing back. It’s important to pull the root so it doesn’t take over.
Understanding what’s behind your embarrassment is essential to uprooting “weeds” blocking new growth. Here are a few key issues to consider:
1. People-Pleasing
The need for people’s approval is one of the greatest hindrances to our faith. Our human nature is to be loved and accepted, so anything that might get in the way of acceptance, including our faith, causes us to hold back. But the Apostle Paul has a good word for this:
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
Refocusing our attention on serving Christ and pleasing Him helps bring things into perspective. When we remember people’s desperate need for the Savior, our concern shifts from what others think to what they need.
As Paul said, “But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)?” (Romans 10:14 AMP)
You can stop feeling embarrassed about your faith by remembering what Christ came to do: save the lost. And remember, you might be the only messenger of the gospel some people will ever hear.
2. Self-Centeredness
Self-Centeredness is another root cause of embarrassment. We worry so much about self-image, we don’t want to come across as “fanatical” or overly spiritual. However, John the Baptist said it best: “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30).
Our significance comes from Christ alone, and when we fully embrace this, we’re released from self-focus. So, if you are overly concerned about your shortcomings, ask God for healing. Turn John’s words into a prayer, saying, “Lord, please increase as I decrease. I want you to be made known.”
Exalting Jesus above ourselves helps stop embarrassment in its tracks. Pointing to the Savior becomes something we look forward to as the Day of His return nears.
3. Doubt and Fear
Doubt and fear are two “thieves” that rob us of confidence, and it’s important to recognize these as lies from the enemy. We doubt that sharing our faith will make a difference. We fear rejection or ridicule. But this is exactly what the enemy wants – to prevent us from leading others to Christ.
Remember Romans 1:16, which says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
The key phrase in this passage is “the power of God.” It is by His power and strength that people are saved. We don’t need to worry about the outcome, but instead, trust Him to do what only He can do. Sharing our faith is just a small part of God’s wonder-working power.
Understand The Cost
Jesus was not without temptation, but He was without sin. This tells us that He understands our embarrassment, but it also calls us to obedience.
In Luke 9:26, He said, “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
This powerful passage reminds us of the cost of embarrassment. But it also compels us to push past our feelings and walk boldly in faith. Our loving God understands when we are timid, but at the same time, we know that “The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Trust God to equip you with unshakeable confidence in sharing His truth. Partner with Him in declaring the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Your bravery is well worth the cost!
Understand The Joy of Your Salvation
Embarrassment fades quickly when we remember what Jesus has done. “I once was lost, but now I’m found” becomes our joyful anthem, a message that must be shared.
Your personal testimony can create healthy conversations, hopefully leading to transformation. There’s no need to be embarrassed about your conversion story. After all, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you!
Think about it this way: If you received a long-awaited job promotion, you’d want to shout it from the rooftops. How much more important is your heavenly reward? Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
With a willing spirit, you can overcome embarrassment. As the Holy Spirit fills you with renewed joy, you’ll want to share your faith with as many people as possible. Pray for God to rekindle the joy you had at first. Recall the way you felt when Jesus set you free. Remember your former state without Christ, and your current standing. What joy! What peace!
It’s human nature to avoid anything that feels uncomfortable, but you can stop feeling embarrassed about your faith. It takes bravery and practice, but bit by bit, you can learn to speak openly without fear. Look for opportunities to engage with people, asking questions and listening well. Most of all, trust the Holy Spirit to give you the right words at the right time. He is with you, equipping you with every good fruit in abundance.
Let’s Pray: Holy God, You see the inner workings of my heart and mind, and You know what causes embarrassment. Please forgive me for allowing timidity to hinder my faith. I release it now, surrendering it into Your hands. Please fill me with courage so that I will joyfully share the gospel. Remove my people-pleasing tendencies, and remind me of how desperately people need Your salvation. Thank You for all You’ve done in my life. Let Your goodness fuel my desire to share my faith with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
More Resources for Your Journey:
How to Share Your Faith with Friends of other Faiths
5 Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith
5 Ways to Share Your Faith When You’re Afraid
Photo credit: Getty/Kamonwan Wankaew
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
