Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Love Conquers Guilt

(photo courtesy of christianphotos.net)
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience. (NIV)
 

Do you ever feel guilty but don’t know why? No inappropriate words, thoughts or actions come to mind, yet there is a nagging feeling that you are no good or that you have failed somebody or at something. The one who draws near to God has no reason for a guilty conscience. Another verse says those in Christ are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1). God only initiates guilty consciences when we have disobeyed him. He knows we can only serve him effectively with clear consciences. But what about when I haven’t disobeyed but still feel guilty? Satan is the primary source. He loves to propose that past failures disqualify us from God’s service. Guilt can also result from wrong messages heard growing up. “You’ll never amount to anything,” or “Can’t you do anything right?” They may even come from friends or spouses who don’t share our love for God. But God’s love conquers guilt. Freedom is realized when you recognize all your sins are forgiven and when you understand that no failure is so great that God will kick you off his team.

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