When We Feel Guilty

When We Feel Guilty

Isaiah 43:10-11, 25

Many teachers find true or false questions a useful tool to determine what students know. Some people seem to know right away what is true. Others of us ponder the question and realize we are just not sure what is the truth. How would you answer the following questions?

True or False? It is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin.

The answer is TRUE. (John 16:8) When we have sinned, the Holy Spirit will cause us to feel guilty. Why? So we will ask God’s forgiveness and be restored to a proper relationship with Him.

True or False? All guilty feelings come because of sin. The answer is FALSE. Guilty feelings can come for reasons other than our sin. A wrong view of God is one reason. We will feel guilty when we imagine that God is looking at our mistakes, pointing His finger at us and pronouncing judgment. Other times we feel guilty and do not know why. The New Testament proclaims the truth that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) and that the Spirit-filled life is to be one of joy and peace.

Spend this week learning to know God as He is revealed in the New Testament. Look at the love and compassion Jesus had for the crowds that followed Him (Matthew 14:14), for the widow (Luke 7:13), the leper (Mark 1:40-42) and the tax collector (Matthew 9:9-12). Accept the truth that God loves you, and allow any “false” guilt to melt away.

Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanlley, InTouch Ministries