Listening to Guilt

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

Therefore, there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

In my lifetime, I have dealt with guilt. Sometimes it is false guilt that I have put on myself, but there are times when it is true guilt because I have sinned or I have done something in my life that was dead wrong, and I knew it.

If we are not careful, we can find ourselves paralyzed by feelings of guilt, which can then lead to shame.

Author and speaker, Steve Arterburn suggests 5 things that we need to do when it comes to our guilt and shame:

1. Ask God for forgiveness. Remember: when you ask for it, He will give it. (1 John 1:9)

2. Ask forgiveness from the people you have harmed. This step is hard but helpful. And even if the other folks cannot find it in their hearts to forgive you, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you asked (Proverbs 28:13)

3. Forgive yourself. If you’re no longer misbehaving, it’s the right the to do. And today is the right day to do it! (Romans 14:22)

4. Become more diligent in your daily time of prayer and Bible study. A regular time of quiet reflection and prayer will allow you to praise your Creator, to focus your thoughts, to remind yourself of His love, and to seek His guidance in matters great and small (Isaiah 50:4-5).

 

5. Get busy making the world a better place. Now that God has forgiven you, it’s time for you to show your gratitude by serving Him
   (Matthew 23:11-12) from 100 Days of Character

 

So can I ask you a question? Are there things you are doing that are causing you to feel guilty? False guilt is one thing, but there may just be something you are doing that you know is wrong, or you have done something to someone or against someone that you know is wrong. Purpose in your heart right now to make things right, first of all, with God, and then with the people who you have hurt or offended. Check out Acts 26:20

In His grip,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

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Think About This: “What the devil loves is that vague cloud of unspecified guilt feeling or unspecified virtue by which he lures us into despair or presumption.” -C. S. Lewis

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 93-97| You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: ¹⁸ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go ^[c]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” ^[d]Amen. –Matthew 28:18-20

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.