Guilt can be a burdensome weight that affects our body, soul (mind, will, emotions), and spirit. It hinders our ability to experience joy, peace of mind, rest, positivity, and overall progress in life. It is undoubtedly one of the destructive weapons employed by the devil. However, we can find rest in the fact that we have already achieved victory through Jesus Christ. He willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross of Calvary for our sake. And God’s word provide us with the victory steps to release ourselves from the grip of guilt and shame.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24.
Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of your. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
Now that you’re in Christ, no matter your past sins, mistakes or short-comings, the blood of Jesus Christ has washed, cleansed, sanctified and justified you. You don’t have to wallow in the feelings of shame or guilt any longer. Don’t allow the devil to keep you trapped in this feeling and hinder you from enjoying the joy, rest and peace that comes from having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Here are some Biblical Ways to Help You Let of Any Feeling of Guilt or Shame:
1. Confession and Repentance: repenting is an important step toward letting go of guilt.
If you are aware of any sins in your life, admit, confess and repent of them. When you admit what you are doing is wrong, and you truly confess to God and repent from your heart, it helps you get the feelings of shame or guilt off your chest. Psalm 32:3-5.
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God will forgive you, cleanse you and empower you to live above the sin as you continue to stay in fellowship with Him.
2. Receive God’s Forgiveness: next is to believe and receive God’s forgiveness and love. When you have confessed and repented, it’s important that you accept God’s forgiveness by faith. Psalm 103:12, says, “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” When you understand and receive God’s unconditional forgiveness and love, it’ll help you let go of guilt and move forward with a renewed spirit.
3. Embrace God’s Sufficient Grace: The word of God reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians2:8). Embracing God’s grace means understanding that you are not defined by your past mistakes. Instead, you believe that you’re loved and valued by God, despite your imperfections. Having this understanding will help you release the grip of guilt in your heart. He (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities and by His stripes (wounds) we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5). Receive His healing and embrace His ever-sufficient grace.
4. Self-Forgiveness: it’s paramount that you forgive yourself. When you don’t, you’ll keep beating up yourself on what God does not even remember you did. And it’ll affect your body, soul and spirit. It’ll drain you and also open the door for the devil’s attack. Philippians 3:13 encourages us to “forget what lies behind and move forward to what lies ahead.” Dwelling on past mistakes will only lubricate guilt. Rather, learn from your mistakes and then move forward in faith and with the joy of the Lord that you have been forgiven by God.
5. Walk in Freedom and in the Light of God’s word: 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that anyone who believes in Jesus is anew creature, old things are past away, behold, all things are new. When you embrace this gospel truth, you walk in the light and freedom of God’s love and grace, leaving behind every chain of guilt and shame that may want to hold you down.
In Hebrews 8:12 God says:
For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. God does not remember your sins anymore!
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to answer and abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12.
In closing, ensure you stay rooted and growing in your fellowship with God; He will continue to direct your paths and comfort you. Thus, you’ll continue to experience the joy of living in God’s love and abundant grace.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:32.
Shalom!
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