From Shame to Safetyنمونہ

We are Wonderhunt, and we create content that helps you explore the deep and hidden things of God. It’s easy to access shame. Maybe too easy. We say the wrong thing, miss a deadline, lose our temper, overthink a moment from yesterday, or even carry shame as a result of things that weren’t our fault. Before we know it, that sick feeling of “I’m not enough” creeps in.

Then, shame piles on top of shame. We spiral. We shut down. We try harder to hide. We start to believe we deserve the distance we feel from others—and even from God. In this way, shame doesn’t just hurt our confidence; it disrupts our connection—to God, to others, and to ourselves.

But what if it doesn’t have to be this way?

In Scripture and in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, shame is not seen as the ultimate truth about you. Sometimes, it’s a protective part trying to keep you from being hurt or rejected again. Other times, it’s an exiled part carrying painful beliefs like “I’m unlovable” or “I’m bad.” Either way, it’s not all of you. It’s a part of you longing for connection and safety.

Shame often shows up when parts of us believe they must hide in order to be worthy of love. Shame can mask fear, protect perfectionism, or warn us when we’ve made a mistake. But these strategies only deepen disconnection.

Scripture offers a different story. In Mark 12, Jesus says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” We often hear this as a call to love others—but love and curiosity don’t flow freely from a soul that hasn’t first received love and curiosity. Maybe Jesus wasn’t just giving us a rule for relationships, but pointing us toward a pattern of healing: that as we learn to meet ourselves with kindness, we become more able to offer that same love to others. Not with inflated ego or trendy self-care slogans, but with spiritual kindness. With grace. With curiosity instead of condemnation.

Paul says it this way: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV) Shame says weakness means you’re not enough. Jesus says weakness is where His perfect love reconnects and restores you.

Check out this film on shame, and see if any parts of you recognize the ache of shame or the longing for approval.

With the love of Jesus, we don’t have to be perfect. And what a blessing that is.

Come back tomorrow to take a deeper look at how to find safety when you’re feeling shameful, and consider the reflection below.

Reflection:

Consider this thought. Is there a part of you that feels like it has to hide in order to be loved?

What would it look like if you gently invited that part into the light of grace?

Prayer:

God, thank you for making me. Every part of me. Even the parts I’ve tried to avoid. Today, help me to notice the voice of shame. Instead of pushing it away, would you help me be curious? Help me to welcome the child-like part of me that feels unworthy of connection. Help me to understand it. Would You guide me in leading with compassion, just like you do? You’re so good, God. I pray that every part of me would begin to feel safe in Your presence. I trust that Your grace is enough. It’s in Your name, amen.

Note: As you journey through this plan, be assured that we partnered with a licensed mental health professional, Chrissie Steyn, to provide informed, compassionate, and evidence-based support. Be aware that this plan is not a substitute for professional mental health care.