Genesis 3:6-7
By Rachel Huff, LPC-MHSP Temp | HeartLife Counselor
In Genesis 3, we see that when Adam and Eve made the choice to rely on their desires over God’s command, they realized their nakedness and felt a profound sense of shame. In response, they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves, attempting to hide their newfound vulnerability and shame.
I decided to deep dive into fig leaves. Actually, I first Googled what they used to sew the leaves since needle and thread weren’t around in that time. I found nothing to answer that, but what I found was interesting. The choice of fig leaves may have seemed like a quick fix or the only option, but fig leaves were an awful choice! They are itchy and contain compounds that can cause skin irritation, leading to rashes. In more severe cases, exposure can even cause anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening. This makes fig leaves a poor choice for clothing and an inadequate solution to their problem.
The use of fig leaves is a metaphor for our own attempts to cover up our sins and shortcomings. Just as Adam and Eve’s leaves failed to truly address their shame and hurt them as they were trying to hide, our efforts to hide or compensate for our failures fall short. The fig leaves represent our human tendency to rely on imperfect solutions, instead of seeking the perfect covering that only God can provide. What do you use to hide? How is this harmful to you? What would it look like if you allowed God to come to the shame and provide His remedy? This is one thing that is foundational to me in the healing process in my therapy room - find and expose the shame and then work to release it. There is something healing about having another person see you that vulnerable and not judge you or respond to you the way you might believe you deserve. Once that is done, we know what we are asking God to cover. We just need to learn to take those dang fig leaves off.
As we reflect on this passage, let us remember that our own “fig leaves”—the things we use to cover our shame—are never sufficient. Instead, we are invited to bring our burdens and failures to God, trusting in His provision and grace. Only then can we find true peace and rest, knowing that we are fully covered by His love. I encourage you to spend some time meditating on this today. Ask yourself: What do I use to hide? How is this harmful to me? What would it look like if I allowed God to come to the shame and provide His remedy? Do I need help with this from a trusted godly friend or from a Christian counselor?
Rachel Huff, MMFT, MCE, Licensed Brain Health Trainer
Rachel Huff is a licensed brain health trainer and certified marriage coach.
Rachel believes all were created in the image of God and have innate value. The Bible teaches each one of us was created uniquely and with purpose. Because of this, Rachel approaches each individual and couple uniquely, utilizing many therapeutic approaches and tools. With Rachel’s background in health and wellness, as well as counseling, she holds a holistic perspective on how she sees and helps her clients. Rachel has been teaching on the Bible, health and wellness, marriage, and mental health in churches and the community for the past two decades.