Shame is one of the hardest struggles to admit because it doesn’t just remind us of what we’ve done – it tells us who we are. It whispers that we are broken, unworthy, or disqualified, even when we know the verses about forgiveness. And if we’re not careful, those echoes can grow so loud that we mistake them for God’s voice.
In this message from our series Am I the Only One?, we explore what Scripture says about the language of shame and the louder language of grace. We look at how shame distorts your thinking, how God’s Word reframes your mind, and how intimacy with Jesus silences the lies for good. This is not about trying harder – it is about staying closer to the One who already carried shame to the cross and stripped it of its power.
If you missed the live service or want to reflect further, you can watch the full message above anytime after. We’ve also included discussion questions to dig deeper into the message and a handout with fill-ins to guide your reflection. You can find the handout by clicking the “Download” button above. Whether you watch this on your own or share it with your small group, we hope this message encourages you.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think shame has such a strong hold, even on people who have been Christians for a long time?
- How do you see the difference between guilt that leads to repentance and shame that leads to hiding?
- In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve hid from God after they sinned. What does that story reveal about the way shame distorts our picture of God?
- Psalm 34:4-5 says that those who look to the Lord are radiant and their faces are never covered with shame. What do you think it means for a person’s face to be “radiant” instead of covered?
- What are some common lies shame whispers that people might mistake for God’s voice?
- Jesus prayed in John 17:17, “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” How does this verse change the way we think about holiness?
- Paul says in Romans 12:2 that transformation begins with the renewing of the mind. How is that different from trying to change our behavior first?
- What are some simple ways to invite Jesus into the everyday moments of life so that His voice becomes louder than shame’s voice?
- What would you say to someone who feels like they have tried to abide in Christ but still feel stuck?
- How does it change the way you think about shame when you remember that Jesus already carried it to the cross and silenced it there?
