Embarrassed by my scars

Last night a girl in group said that she is embarrassed by her scars. She self-injures and wears only long sleeve shirts to cover up her marks from cutting. I appreciate her honesty and later thought how we all cover our scars. Often not recognizing what we are doing but just a “natural” outworking of the way we protect ourselves. If only we could be as honest with ourselves and others. But alas, embarrassment – fear of rejection – is why we hide.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. I John 4:18

Our punishment is the torment that our shame puts us through. However, true intimacy (giving our heart to Jesus and to others) removes this and gives us “confidence in the day of judgment” v. 17 – the time we face our scars. Peace.