Guilt and Shame

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

Guilt can be a blessing or a curse.

Most messages in society portray guilt as an enemy to overcome. However, God gifted ever person a conscience, that part of the human character that pricks at you when you have done or said something wrong. This innate moral compass was specially designed by God to lead us to repentance. Contrary to popular belief, guilt can be a blessing. If it is consistently ignored, the consequences are spiritual numbness (1 Timothy 4:2).

In 2 Corinthians 7:10, we learn that there is godly guilt. We should thank the Lord for it. Many believe that God is silent; He does not speak to us or guide us. However, He has crafted within every person an ability to “hear” His call. Instead of an audible voice, it is that gnawing sensation that something is amiss, that weight in the chest that won’t go away. It keeps us up at night, a relentless gut-wrenching feeling of guilt. This is the persistent communication of God, an unmistakable internal call to repentance.

Second Corinthians 7:10 also explains that there is a worldly guilt, an unhealthy self-condemnation that can happen after repentance. This guilt, as the verse explains, can lead to “death.” After repentance, forgiveness restores the believer to right standing with God and liberates him or her from a life of shame. For some, accepting grace, while knowing the depth of their own sins, is not easy. They replay their own iniquities until guilt and shame shadow every area of their lives.

Have you felt some inner dissonance, a feeling that you’ve done wrong? Perhaps you tried to justify it to yourself or even spoke to someone close to you explaining why your actions or words were warranted. However, that constant prick at your heart continues and continues. That is a call to repentance. Don’t ignore the call of God. On the other hand, maybe you have repented, but you are having trouble forgiving yourself. Be reassured. The grace of God is sufficient to cover your past. That is no longer you; you are a new creation in Christ.

Think about it.

Consider now the cause of your guilt. Sometimes we pass over the obvious reason because we don’t want to acknowledge the cause. You must first be brave enough to say, “I’ve done wrong. Please forgive me.” Perhaps you also need to ask a person for forgiveness. This takes great courage and is not done very often in our society. Be the exception. Go to that person and apologize. On the other hand, if your guilt is not from God, read the verses below aloud and pray to God for help in releasing yourself from life- wrecking guilt and shame. It is His will that you live in peace.

Read about it.

If you are struggling to let go of worldly guilt, read aloud 1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1, 2 Corinthians 5:17, and Isaiah 43:25. If you are feeling godly guilt, read Proverbs 28:13, Acts 3:19, Psalms 51:1-19, and Isaiah 1:18.

Pray about it.

Dear Lord, I thank you for guilt that leads to repentance. Please forgive me for my iniquities; I know they are great. They weigh me down, and I know that is not your will for my life. I now turn my course toward you and you alone. As your forgiveness washes me utterly, remind me of the power of your grace and help me see myself through your eyes. Keep me in your peace. In Jesus name.