How To Actually Live Free From Guilt

Guilt.

It’s one of those sneaky emotions the enemy uses against us to imprison us with his lies.

 

In STILL I WILL FOLLOW, Bella struggles with guilt over her past. It doesn’t help that everyone around her constantly reminds her of her wild child days. With that constant reminder will she ever be able to emotionally move past the guilt she wears like a noose around her neck?

 

I have a feeling that at least at some point in our lives, we’ve all struggled with guilt. Some of us may actually deal with it on a regular basis.

But here’s the thing.

We can absolutely live free from guilt in our lives. This post will explore how God’s Word can help us do just that.

GUILT – No One Is Sinless

The Bible is very clear on this point. Every human being on the face of the planet sins. Adam and Eve started a chain reaction in the garden of Eden that continues to this day.

For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. -Romans 3:23

That makes us all guilty before God.

In the Old Testament, men’s sins were atoned for through the sacrifice of animals. The legal contract between men and God was replaced by the New Testament, yet another legal contract.

The difference?

Christ became the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, once for all.

And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. -Hebrews 10:11

GUILT – God Forgives

When we confess our sinfulness and agree with God about our sin, He “forgives us our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.” -1 John 1:9

If you’re like me, you may feel that God’s forgiveness seems almost too good to be true. It’s hard for us to fathom that sort of forgiveness because the human version of forgiveness is so very different.

Human forgiveness is usually an “if” sort of deal. I’ll forgive “if” they apologize, “if” they show remorse, “if” they change their behavior, etc.

In sharp contrast, God’s forgiveness is an “in spite of” sort of deal. He loves and forgives us in spite of what we’ve done. And then, miracle of all miracles, He doesn’t stop there.

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. -Psalm 101:12

And I love the fact that God chooses not to remember our sins. “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” -Isaiah 43:25

Free From Guilt

Because of all Jesus has done for us, we can live free from guilt.

Of course, the enemy wants to keep us in a place of guilt. He wants us to carry that heavy burden. As the accuser, he will make sure we’re constantly reminded of failures and shortcomings.

The cure is to run to the waiting arms of our heavenly Savior. His Spirit is the Comforter. He reassures us that we are indeed God’s children. His Word reminds us: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” -John 8:31-32

Our forgiveness is a guaranteed done deal, not based on a feeling, but based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.

Heavenly Father, how grateful we are that we can indeed live free from guilt. You created our consciences so that we realize our sinfulness and wrongdoing. Lord, when we sin, may we be quick to run to You in repentance, in full realization that You are our only hope. Thank You that Jesus carried our sins. Because of His work on the cross, we are fully forgiven. Also keep us mindful that the enemy will be quick to lay a load of guilt on us at every opportunity. Help us to overcome Him through Your Spirit and Your Word. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.