Guilt – The Gift That Keeps On Giving – A Biblical Study
Sunday, August 18th, 2019
We have all done things in our lives we regret, some more serious than others. A fine line exists between regret, and guilt. The feeling of guilt often carries with it the baggage of fear and shame. These two components can, and often will cause depression, anxiety, anger, and a host of relational or physical implications in our lives. Whether we choose to admit it or not, we are spiritual beings and the baggage of guilt rends the soul. Fear and shame are also burdens we are not meant to carry.
I don’t for a minute believe I am the only one that has struggled with guilt from time to time. My belief system imparts to me that we are indeed spiritual beings created by a benevolent God who loves us. I also believe in good, but also, I believe there are evil forces in this world – the devil / Satan. Satan will use our shortcomings, mistakes, and transgressions to convince us that we are unlovable or doomed in God’s eyes, or that there is no God at all! If that is the case, why do we feel the fear or shame of guilt? Because being spiritual beings God gave us a moral compass – it’s called a conscience. He also gave us a frame of reference, The Ten Commandments, to form the guidelines of our compass.
Satan will use any means at his disposal to constantly remind us of our shortcomings, hence, guilt – the gift that keeps on giving. However, nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ defeated Satan on that fateful afternoon on Calvary. And when we come to know Him, accept Him, confess our sin, and invite Him into our lives, all past history is wiped away. Gone!
Long before Christ was born, Jeremiah says in Ch. 31:34, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Read the preceding verses to Jeremiah 31:34 – the new covenant is Jesus Christ.
In the New Testament book of Hebrews Ch. 8:8-12, the author restates the above quote from Jeremiah. Again in Hebrews Ch.10:17, “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”
If being covered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and God has forgiven our sins and remembers them no more, then why do we? Do not believe Satan’s lie. His only goal is to make us feel estranged from God. For my purposes here I will transition to the word shame. Is it possible that we doubt and have fears and carry the baggage of shame with us? Again, Jesus Christ paid our penalty. We have been freed from that burden we are not meant to carry! Sometimes that is easier said than lived out but we need to remind ourselves God’s promises are true. He does not withdraw from us!
In Romans Ch. 8, Paul speaks poignantly about Jesus Christ the intercessor. In Vs.8:38-39 he clearly states, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We as Christians need to claim that promise, experience it, and accept that God has indeed freed us from the burden of any fear or shame so we can live freely in the joy of our salvation and look forward to our eternity with our Creator. We need to exercise our faith muscles! Have conversations with our savior. There are two components to any conversation – the talking component, and the listening component. The second being the more valuable of the two, which takes practice and discernment. Your perseverance will be rewarded.
I firmly believe everyone in the free world either knows of or has heard the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus. During the Last Supper before His arrest Jesus predicted, “Before the cock crows twice you will deny me thrice.” Peter emphatically denied he would do such a thing, but it is well documented in all four Gospels. Read the accounts in Matthew 23:34, Mark 14:30-31, Luke 22: 33-34, and John 13:37-38. A short time later that evening Peter, after realizing what he had done, filled with genuine remorse, went out and wept bitterly. Read Luke’s account in Ch. 22:54-62.
In the Gospel of John after Christ’s resurrection we read in Ch.21: Vs. 15-18, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter’s answer was yes! And three times Jesus told Peter to feed his sheep. Peter knew he was forgiven and later became the leader of the church. Peter could not have accomplished all that he did under the cloud of fear or shame.
Likewise, I believe everyone knows the story of Judas. He was a scoundrel of the first order and betrayed Jesus to the death. I contend that had he waited for Jesus’ resurrection, and asked to be forgiven, Jesus would have forgiven him!
If we as Christians are laboring under the burden of fear or shame, we cannot reflect the joy of our inheritance. We cannot be the proper light for others, illuminating the way to Jesus Christ. Tell Satan to stay in hell where he belongs! Stay close to Jesus who has freed you from your confessed sin. Walk and talk with Jesus daily and claim His protection from the accuser. Remember this only, you have been liberated by the grace of God purchased for “you” by his Son. Flex your faith muscles and accept your freedom from fear and shame! It will free you to experience and shine the JOY and the wonder of your eternal inheritance. Others will notice. Others will want the peace, and joy they see in you!
Create a Memorable Day.
Stephen
