Guilt Is Legitimate And Has A Remedy…..

In modern society guilt is seen as a unnecessary trial, or misaligned label to stigmatize or marginalize people. In reality, guilt serves a purpose. It’s a warning signal from our God-designed conscience that tells us we did something wrong (immoral). It’s intended to turn us around (repent), and to make right what we’ve wronged. One reason why society sees guilt as a bad thing is that they lack the spiritual insight that sees guilt’s purpose, and thus, try to find ways to rid themselves of this ‘unnecessary discomfort’. The problem lies with the inability to recognize wrong doing (sin). People don’t think their behavior is wrong, or at least deny that it’s wrong, and thus try to find ways to remove the pain guilt causes when it’s ignored or not dealt with. Drugs, acquiring possessions, pursuing fame, trying to get others to accept their sinful behavior, and other coping mechanisms, only prolong and increase the effects of unresolved guilt. The ultimate outcome is hopelessness. This creates a life of shame (having no hope of redemption), endless anger, and a sense of the need to justify the behavior. An example of this is abortion. Those that have participated in, or associated with an abortion, are almost always pro-choice. Their attempt to feel better about themselves without repentance, leads to the justification of their action. Murdering an innocent child carries an enormous burden of guilt and shame. Not dealing with it morally (making it right with God) only leads to anger and hatred from within. It’s played out in taking those feelings and channeling them towards those that are pro-life. Taking their inner turmoil out on others is their way of trying to make them feel better about themselves. It never works. How do I know this? Because two wrongs never make a right. Justifying sinful behavior is humanity’s way of dealing with the pain that guilt and shame cause. Without repentance, truly being sorry for what we’ve done by having contrition in our heart, there is no possible way of removing the guilt. People might think the guilt is gone over time, but the consequences of unforgiveness (unresolved guilt) continue to play out in our lives. That’s why the message of the Gospel is so important. When we preach truth and share our witness of Jesus with others, we are in essence, showing them there is hope, there is a way to remove this guilt and be forgiven. The only sin that God will not forgive is unbelief. God won’t force someone to like Himself, or drag them against their will into Heaven. He loves us too much to deny our freewill. Guilt and shame serve a purpose, but unfortunately, many people would rather live with the consequences, and try to deal with it themselves, than repent, own up to their actions, and ask God to forgive them for what they’ve done. I can’t imagine living a life with no hope of redemption. That’s the problem with today’s cancel culture. They promote justice without the possibility of redemption. Jesus provides both. Guilt serves a purpose, and until it’s dealt with in the right manner, it will continue to wreck havoc in our lives. Why allow this, when we have a Savior waiting to remove it and forgive us? Why continue to live a life attempting to justify our actions, when we have someone who did it for us? Jesus can wash us clean, removing the guilt that sin brings, and replacing it with His righteousness. The effects of sin may leave scars, but scars are reminders that the trauma that happened, has been healed (forgiven).

9 Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. Proverbs 14:9