Blending A Family DevotionalSample

Living with Guilt or Shame?

Many people who have experienced broken relationships through divorce or the death of a spouse struggle with many overwhelming feelings. 

Let’s look at the feelings of guilt or shame.

We can feel guilt from our part in the deterioration of a relationship, or from watching the impact on our children (children reacting to their home breakup, packing their bags to visit the other bio parent, possible changes in homes, schools, friends, etc.). 

Guilt can come from becoming a part-time parent, loss of parental influence with children, loss of a home, financial status, or other reasons. A person suffering loss from death may feel guilt from observing the life changes their children may be experiencing.

God created our emotions. The guilt emotion is a warning that something is not right, and to help us correct our issue or behavior. Guilt is related to what we have done or did not do.

We have seen adults from broken homes try to help children cope by withholding discipline, or allowing children to make their own choices.

Shame is when we internalize a failure and believe we are a bad person. Our adversary the devil, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, takes the guilt emotion from our loss, wrong behavior, or mistakes and convinces us that we “are” that mistake. He brings a guilty conscience (shame) into our hearts which breeds unworthiness.

God forgives and restores us from traumas, losses, and mistakes. And He helps us navigate the changes that a failure or loss has created.

Suggestions:

If you are carrying guilt, ask God for forgiveness and then forgive yourself. 

Receive the restoration and abundant life Jesus came to give you.

Look in the mirror and remind yourself that you are God’s creation.

Our Prayer for you:

God Almighty we ask You to minister to every family member who has experienced loss and brokenness. Jesus came to heal the broken hearts. Bring Your healing and wholeness into their lives in greater measure than ever before. Thank You Lord for Your “it is finished” work of Your death and resurrection. Life in You is brighter than Noon-day! Restore to them all that has been lost. and thank You for removing their guilt and shame. Thank You Lord!

Copyright 2019 Moe and Paige Becnel @ Blending A Family Ministry