There is little question that guilt is a great destroyer of joy, especially for those who are trying to live with the cross in view. Guilt, whether real or imagined, often leads people to bitterness, low self-esteem and hostility. While guilt can be a good thing (when it leads someone to repentance, Acts 2:37), it is often a feeling that stagnates Christians and drains people of the joy that they should have in Christ. Let’s consider what God has to say regarding the important subject of guilt.
Firstly, we must understand the reason for guilt. Guilt is produced by sin. Remember the first couple way back in Eden? What caused them to “hide” from God? Instead of meeting God in the cool of the day, as apparently was their daily custom, they hid from God, but why? They were guilty and filled with shame. Sin had opened their eyes to their nakedness, and they were afraid (Genesis 3:7-11). Consider also, the Lord’s own disciple, Judas. What caused him to leave all the opportunities that were before him and to take his own life? It was the guilt and shame of betraying Jesus. Guilt is directly linked to sin. We often allow sin to reign in our lives, and when our consciences have been trained properly, guilt is the byproduct left behind. Even Peter was not exempt from guilt. In spite of the fact that he vowed to die with the Savior, he denied Jesus. His guilt overtook him, and he went and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:69-75).
Secondly, we must understand the result of guilt. Guilt can have many adverse effects on us. There is the terrible effect physically. David’s guilt, after committing adultery and murder, changed his physical body so much so that his, “moisture [“vitality” NKJV] is turned to the drought of summer” (Psalm 32:4). Like Peter, many have uncontrollable tears and sadness. Often times people loaded with guilt cannot sleep. There is also the terrible effect spiritually. Guilt affects our relationship with God. Who can really pray as one ought when he or she is covered with guilt? Guilt also leads us to commit even more sins. Consider Judas; his guilt drove him to suicide. Consider Cain; his guilt of offering an unacceptable sacrifice led him to murder. Guilt has terrible results in one’s life if it is left to reign.
Lastly, then we must understand the removal of guilt. What can we do to rid our consciences of this terrible feeling? We must understand God’s love and forgiveness. Sadly, we often fail to really trust God and take Him at His Word. When a person is obedient to God’s plan, which is clearly defined in Holy Writ, his or her sins are washed away (Acts 2:38; 22:16)—not because the person who obeyed is wonderful, but because God Almighty is Wonderful! God is so wonderful that He even chooses not to remember those sins that are cleansed (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8ff). Dear Readers, we must learn to trust God completely! His promises never fail. He is truth! As we live day to day, we do our very best to walk in the light so that God can and will cleanse us continually (1 John 1:7-9). Trusting God and taking Him at His Word will remove the terrible feelings of guilt and shame (1 Peter 3:21). Those who are redeemed must believe that they are redeemed. While David was still in his sin, his joy was sapped. However, once he sought forgiveness, his joy was restored (Psalm 51:1ff). For the forgiven, there is no reason to live in the past!
There are people who daily suffer from the pain of guilt. I do not want to minimize that pain, because it is real. However, I can offer hope and comfort to those who are steeped with guilt. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). Praise God! God gives hope. Accept that hope by dealing with your sin today, and then once you do what God requires, lay your guilt aside. As the prophet of old reminded, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7).
