“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1
Today we are told that “guilt” and “shame” are toxic thoughts which need to be replaced with positive thoughts.
However, is this biblical?
And, why do we often feel guilty?
First, we need to revisit the definition of Guilty.
Per Merriam-Webster, Guilt refers to “having committed a breach of conduct especially violating law and involving a penalty.”
When we sin, we sin against God alone (Psalm 51).
For it’s God’s ways we are trampling when we do our own thing. And God’s way is good, just, wise, and loving. When we go our own way and do our own thing we not only hurt ourselves, but we hurt and others along as well. Even if we don’t readily witness the effects.
Simply stated, feeling guilt reminds us that we are guilty.
And with guilt often comes shame.
But please know that shame shows us that our conscious acknowledges that wrong exists. That is a good thing! We don’t want our conscious to be numbed to when we wrong God and people.
For if we don’t acknowledge our wrong, we then tend to stealthily justify it and/or bury it under a heap of blaming others.
We blame for our pain…and then we hide behind a myriad of distractions (scrolling on social media, doing “good deeds,” etc.).
But our guilt remains hidden. Notice I said, “hidden” instead of “resolved.”
Does all if this sound familiar? See Genesis 3.
Sisters, both guilt and shame are the result of the sin. Yep— I said sin.
And the only cure for the guilt which is caused by our sin is to be acquitted of that violation (all of them).
Therefore, the only one who can do such a thing (acquit) is the One whose laws we violated — God alone.
We need to weep over our sin heartily. All the while rejoicing over the cross!! Almost like Ebenezer Scrooge’s joy resulting from the forgiveness he was given on Christmas morning!
We need to recall and celebrate God’s goodness, justice, and love which are clearly seen in what He has done for us!
God, our Creator and Judge, came down and took our place in that courtroom. He paid the debt we owed, on our behalf. This is what we need to remember when guilt comes into our hearts and minds — God’s Gospel!
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
Hold Fast Apologetics 