Pastor Roger Snow
Our Struggle With Guilt
1 John 1: 5 – 10 says; “(5) This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (6) If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us form all sin. (8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all righteousness. (10) If we say that we have ot sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
For some of us, guilt is a constant companion. We live under the weight of past mistakes and the fear of future wrongdoing. Even if we try to move forward, self – reproach tags along.
Guilt that results from breaking biblical or man – made laws is legitimate. When we transgress, the Holy Spirit points out what is wrong and how to correct it. Then, in response to our confession, God offers us forgiveness and cleansing from guilt every single time.
But some guilty feeling we experience are false. So why do they originate? There are several answers. Through lies ad accusations, the enemy seeks to replace inner peace with turmoil and joy with discouragement. Legalism, too, can be a source of guilt. God’s Word establishes the way we are to live, but some Christians and churches impose additional rules.
Childhood experiences can also bring out the negative emotion of guilt. Whether this stems from the aftermath of traumatic events or the feeling that we didn’t meet parental expectations, the experience can prompt us to judge ourselves harshly.
Romans 8: 1 says; “(1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
If you struggle with false guilt, ask the Lord to help you remember who you are in Him.
