The Guilt That Doesn't Belong to You

It's been one of those days- when you think about all of the things you have said, thought, done, or DIDN'T say, think, or do that hurt other people or yourself.  The sins of years past come out from the shadows into the open and won't leave you alone.  The guilt weighs your heart down and prevents you from moving on with the day and even though you have asked God for forgiveness, you still worry about the feelings of others or if people will see or treat you the same way.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

So are you living with feelings of guilt, or in God's truth?

Guilt is a very powerful tool used by both God and the devil, but it is used in very different ways.

God uses guilt to remind us of our unconfessed sin.  It's like a flashing sign saying "Hey! There's something weighing you down, so bring it to me and repent of your sing."  God wants us to have a peaceful heart - he doesn't want us to live in guilt forever.  By confessing our sin to Him, that true guilt is no longer from God.

But what if I still feel guilty after repenting of my sin?

Satan doesn't want you to feel the peace that God gives. He gives us a false sense of guilt.  How do you know which guilt you are feeling?  Ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Have I confessed and repented of this sin?
2.When did I confess it?
3. Was I sincere?

If you answer yes to all these questions then you are forgiven and the guilt you feel is a false guilt from Satan.  If you had a no, you can ask God right now for forgiveness and have peace in your heart.  And when memories of your sin and guilt come up in your head again, tell Satan that he has no power over you but that you have been reminded of God's mercy.

Of course, if your sin has also hurt someone else it is important to ask for their forgiveness too.  Anyone and everyone can be hurt by another's sin and it is important to let both God and others know how we feel.

Guilt hurts more than a splinter, more than a bee sting, more than steeping on legos....gasp.  But that doesn't mean you have to let it fester inside of you.  There is a way to free yourself from the guilt and know that God has forgiven your sin.

(If you'd like to read the full article "Living with Guilt" click here.)