In this episode, hosts Caleb and Cathy are joined by Jimmy Kim, Executive Leader of Family Transformation at Perimeter, for a thoughtful discussion on guilt and shame. Jimmy speaks from his own background as a Korean American to shed light on how shame and grace can feel so difficult to walk through. Together, they explore how scripture and our union with Christ speaks so directly to our shame.

They address the difference between guilt and shame, the ways shame can grow when we hide the difficult parts of our stories, and how our culture or upbringing can impact our experience. They also discuss the feeling that God’s favor must be earned and why grace feels so difficult for some to embrace. Jimmy reminds us that there is no part of our story unknown to God and that nothing can separate us from His love.

We pray this episode offers encouragement and freedom, reminding you that Jesus is our perfect advocate who willingly took on and defeated our shame at the cross. If shame feels overwhelming or persistent in your life, we invite you to consider connecting with a counselor here.

Additional Resources:

• Read Tim Keller’s book, The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness

• Read You’re Only Human by Kelly Kapic

• Read a blog from one of our counselors, George Vaughan, Replacing False Beliefs with the Truth

• Listen to Caleb and Jimmy’s song recommendations, “Rock of Ages (Solid Rock)” and “Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor”, to continue meditating on these truths

• (00:00:00) - Podcast
• (00:01:01) - Common Counselor Issues
• (00:03:27) - Shame and Guilt
• (00:05:40) - Jimmy on Shame and Guilt
• (00:13:03) - Asian Americans Talk About Shame
• (00:14:00) - What Makes Confessment So Difficult
• (00:17:28) - The Shame of Our Own
• (00:21:14) - Reveal: Union With Christ
• (00:24:51) - The Shame of Being Human
• (00:27:54) - Other Principles for Struggling With Shame and Guilt
• (00:34:05) - Celebrations for Struggling With Confessment