Scripture Reading
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.”
—Genesis 3:21 (NIV)
Reflection
After Adam and Eve sinned, their first instinct was to cover themselves. Fig leaves weren’t just about modesty—they were about hiding. Hiding their fear, their shame, their exposure. We’ve been doing the same ever since.
When we sin, especially in the areas of sexual brokenness or betrayal, our instinct is often to scramble for cover: controlling the narrative, justifying our behavior, trying harder to be “good,” or disappearing into secrecy. We sew together fig leaves made of religious language, perfectionism, and even shame itself.
But God does something surprising in Genesis 3. He doesn’t leave Adam and Eve exposed—but neither does He let them keep their fig leaves. Instead, He clothes them Himself—with something more durable, more sufficient. Something that required a sacrifice.
Even in their rebellion, God moves toward them. He doesn’t abandon them in their failure—He covers them. This isn’t a denial of sin. It’s a foreshadowing of the gospel.
In Christ, God has given us a better covering. One not stitched together by our own efforts, but given freely through His sacrifice. We don’t have to hide anymore. The blood of Jesus covers not just our actions, but the shame that clings to them. You are not exposed. You are clothed in mercy.
Prayer
Father,
You see where I’ve tried to cover myself—through control, through image, through good behavior.
But none of it is enough.
Thank You that You offer something better.
Thank You that You move toward me, not away from me.
Clothe me in the grace of Christ.
Help me live not in hiding, but in the open—with You.
You are a God who covers, not to conceal truth, but to protect dignity.
Let Your mercy be my covering.
Amen.
Practice
Take five minutes to reflect on this question:
What fig leaves have I been using to cover my shame?
Now read Genesis 3:21 again and imagine God clothing you—not in punishment, but in provision.
Write down what it might look like for you to live “uncovered but unashamed” before God today.