Mar 24 Devotion: Dealing With Guilt

13).  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy promise.  14).  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

                              EPHESIANS 1:13-14 (KJV)

Whether guilt be false or legitimate,  feelings of being ashamed can lead us to doubt God’s presence, provision, or promises. We might even struggle to believe He loves us.

There’s another response to self-reproach: an attempt to pay the Lord back for our mistakes. To earn His approval, some of us get busy and stay that way. But then other tasks may go unfinished, and resulting remorse can rob us of pleasure in our relationships. Such self-condemnation can also lead to discouragement and depression.

Because of guilt’s corrosive power, we need to take care of it quickly. When we’ve broken God’s commands, the solution is to repent and accept His forgiveness. False guilt, on the other hand, is erased by embracing biblical truth. Remind yourself ... 

• I am special.  God chose me and is transforming me into Christ’s image.

• I am loved.  God loves me unconditionally, unalterably, and continuously.

• I am forgiven.  Jesus paid the full price for my every sin. God has permanently forgiven me and adopted me into His family.

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God has provided a way out from the burden of guilt you carry (SEE PSALMS  103:12).  

All you need to do is accept His offer.

-IBC