Episode 26: Shame Interrupted - Breaking Free Through Christ
Welcome to going in grace, a podcast where we go beyond simply understanding God's word. We explore how to live it out daily, making a meaningful impact in our lives and the lives of those around us. Let's tune in to this week's episode. Today, we're talking about a heavy but necessary topic, shame. Shame is more than guilt.
Dr. Brandi:It's the feeling of being unworthy, damaged beyond repair, or beyond redemption. Many believers struggle with shame over past mistakes, failures, or circumstances beyond their control. The truth is, God does not intend for us to live in shame. He offers restoration, not condemnation. Today, we'll explore what shame really is, why it's so crippling, common causes of shame, and most importantly, what the Bible teaches about freedom from it.
Dr. Brandi:So what are guilt and shame? While they often feel similar, they are quite different in how they affect us. Guilt is about what we do. It comes from recognizing that we've done something wrong. It's conviction based, and it can lead to repentance and change.
Dr. Brandi:For example, when David sinned, he felt guilt, but he turned to God in Psalm 51:10 saying, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Guilt, when handled properly, can be productive and draw us closer to God. Shame, on the other hand, is about who we believe we are. It convinces us that we are fundamentally flawed or unworthy. Unlike guilt, which focuses on actions, shame attacks identity.
Dr. Brandi:It makes people feel disqualified from grace. But the Bible refutes this in Romans eight:one: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Essentially, guilt says, I made a mistake, while shame says, I am a mistake. God offers forgiveness for guilt and restoration from shame, freeing us to walk in His truth. Shame is incredibly damaging because it distorts our identity.
Dr. Brandi:Instead of seeing ourselves as children of God, we begin defining ourselves by our failures. It leads to isolation. Shame convinces us that others will judge or reject us, so we withdraw. Shame keeps us from God. Instead of running to Him for grace, shame makes us feel undeserving, and we run from the only one who can truly help.
Dr. Brandi:Isaiah 61:7 says, "Instead of your shame, you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion, they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore, in their land they shall possess double everlasting joy shall be theirs." This verse highlights God's ability to restore and replace shame with honor and joy. He does not leave us in our brokenness. He lifts us up, and He gives us a new identity rooted in His grace.
Dr. Brandi:It's a powerful reminder that our past mistakes or struggles do not define us. Rather, God's redemption does. Shame is a lie. It is not from God. Shame can stem from various experiences, including past sins.
Dr. Brandi:We may feel burdened by mistakes, even after repenting. But 1 John 1:9 assures us, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We may also experience this from hurtful words or rejection. Words spoken over us in childhood or failed relationships can imprint shame. But Psalm 139:14 declares, "I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Dr. Brandi:Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Third, unmet expectations. When life doesn't go as planned, we may feel inadequate. But God's plan is greater than our setbacks. Jeremiah 29:11 which you should be familiar with, reminds us: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord.
Dr. Brandi:Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." God never intended for shame to define us. Here's how we can break free. Embrace God's forgiveness. If God has forgiven you, you must forgive yourself.
Dr. Brandi:Isaiah 43:25 says, "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins." If God can move on, you can move on, beloved. Speak truth over lies. Shame is built on deception. Replace it with God's truth.
Dr. Brandi:2 Corinthians 5:17 says, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. The foolishness from the past, it's gone. It's over.
Dr. Brandi:That part of you, it's dead. Live your life anew now in Christ. Walk in freedom. Jesus bore our shame so we wouldn't have to. Hebrews 12:2 declares, "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Dr. Brandi:Your past does not define you. Jesus does. If you've been carrying shame, listen to me. God sees you, He loves you, and He calls you redeemed. Come out of the past.
Dr. Brandi:Shame has no place in your life because Jesus already paid the price for your freedom. Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." It all starts with a decision. Decide today to agree with God and walk in the freedom of Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining me today.
Dr. Brandi:If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may need it. God bless you. Until next week. You've been listening to Going in Great. Be sure to visit us online at brandistover.com.
