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Guilt

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”¹

 

Feeling guilty for doing something that violates one's conscience is reasonable. However, living under a cloud of remorse for no reason is not. God designed the feeling of guilt to serve as a reminder that we have sinned and need to repent. But Satan distorts that emotion to imprison us, which is why people who live with guilt often don't feel secure in God's love.

 

Healthy guilt, the Lord's tool for inviting repentance, is a gift that helps us find the right path. But the devil fosters the false sense of guilt, which leads us to feel responsible for things out of our control. This type of guilt is common in legalistic individuals and churches.

 

Self-condemnation hinders a relationship with God by preventing us from having authentic and fulfilling experiences with Him. Instead of enjoying His peace, those who are trapped by guilt fear His rejection and feel compelled to prove their worth. Trust is almost impossible because they are waiting for God's judgment to fall on them.

 

Christ did not come to condemn us. He restored our souls and made us righteous. Give him your guilt today, and he will set you free.

 

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your forgiveness. We don't need to carry the blame anymore. We are free, through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You that we can go confidently into Your presence. Thank you for so much love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

1.    John 8:3-11 (NIV).

 

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.