When we have accepted the finished work of Jesus on the cross as payment for our sins, does this mean we should never reflect on guilty feelings when they arise? No! There is a valid source of guilt which comes from disobeying God’s commandments. To live well in recovery we would be wise to stop and consider if we are disobeying God’s principles in any way. The Holy Spirit will relentlessly convict us of sin in our lives until we repent and turn away from it. When the Holy Spirit convicts us of the gravity of our sin, we will experience remorse over what we have done.
And when he (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. (John 16:8 NLT)
Satan wants us to wallow in our guilt, believing we have pushed God's grace beyond its limit. However, God’s grace is always much greater than sin and He wants to free us, restore us, and lead us back on the path of righteousness. Restoration is always the intent of the Spirit’s conviction. We need to promptly recognize and resist condemnation and false guilt from the accuser. Similarly, we must acknowledge genuine guilt and promptly surrender to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Our Step 10 daily inventory is a great time to sort through these issues and make a new start with God.
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (Proverbs 28:13 NLT)
The more quickly we confess, repent, and make amends, the more quickly the weight of guilt will be removed from our shoulders. We can then get back on the joyful road of living life to the full.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV)
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