Facing Guilt

 

When we turn our will and our life over to God’s care and trust the new life He gives us, does that mean we should never again reflect on guilty feelings?  No!  There is a valid source of guilt which comes when we fall back into self-will and disobey God’s commands.  The Holy Spirit will warn us that we are off track.  We call it being convicted of sin.  We’ve done wrong and we feel guilty.  This is a clear signal from God that we are sliding into dangerous and destructive patterns of doing things.  Guilt is our indicator to turn and get back on the right track. 

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, restoration is the intention of the Holy Spirit’s conviction and our experience of guilt.  God’s desire is always to set us free, restore us, and lead us back onto the path of righteousness.  

We need to promptly recognize and resist condemnation and false guilt from the accuser of God’s people.  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 get back on track 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 to living life to the full, free of all condemnation.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I confess that I have been falling back into self-will in my thoughts, my words, and my deeds.  In Your mercy, forgive me and cleanse me from my sin.  Thank You for freeing me from all condemnation and restoring me to the blessed life I have received.  Amen


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