THE
BOOK OF GOD'S PROMISES
Understanding Guilt
By
J. Steven Lang
CBN.com
-- Many psychologists like to talk about -- and try to get rid of -- patients'
guilt feelings. They seem to assume that the feeling is the problem. If
it can be gotten rid of, the problem is solved -- or so they say. They overlook
the fact that people often experience genuine guilt over having wronged someone
-- another person, or God himself. Getting rid of the feeling isn't the
problem, then, is it? The problem is that a precious relationship has been broken.
It needs mending, not psychoanalyzed away. Happily, the Bible holds out
more promise than most of these so-called "experts." It assures us that much of
our guilt isn't just feeling -- it is a real awareness of harm done to someone.
It also assures us that God is willing and eager to forgive us, cleanse us of
guilt, and restore joy to our lives. O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins
cannot be hidden from you. Psalm 69:5 He has not punished us for all our
sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those
who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has
removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who
fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust. Psalm
103:12-14 Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from
their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the LORD that he
may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah
55:7 All have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious ideal. Yet now God in
his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ
Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. Romans 3:23-24 If we are
living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship
with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin.
1 John 1:7 See also Confessing Sin, God's Mercy, Repentance, Sin.
The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J.
Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.
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