Needless Guilt

Feeling guilty today? If so, why?

Have you done something to heap guilt upon you?

Or is your heart running away with your mind?

Feeling guilty with good reason is one thing. Feeling guilty needlessly is another.

Even if you have good reason to feel guilt, you have the opportunity as one of God's children to offer repentance for forgiveness. Guilt is not something the Christian has to live with.

Listen to John here today:

John 3:18 - "Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). (19) By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His presence, (20) Whenever our hearts in [tormenting] self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God's hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him].

Self-accusation is not the path of the redeemed. God is the best judge of who is guiltless and heart pure. He will let you know better than we can surmise for ourselves.

Better instead to rest in this next passage:

(21) And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God.

Wait on God. If He is not quickening your heart that there is something that needs to be repented of, then let it rest with Him.

Better we should live confidently and boldly in God without the short circuit of self-condemnation. If you are practicing what you should be in spirit and in truth then there is no good to come from tormenting yourself in wondering if you are "measuring up" or not.

Live and be free in the truth of Jesus Christ. Religion would have you always worrying and wondering if you are good enough.

Jesus nurtures. The enemy condemns.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><