Give ThanksSample

Give Thanks for Guilt Removed

Have you ever had a stain that just would not come out of your clothes? One of those stubborn ones that wouldn’t go away, no matter how much you treated and washed it? Sure, the stain faded, but the evidence of food, drink, or whatever marked it remained.

Many of us feel that way about the past. Even after we’ve accepted God’s grace and forgiveness, we still feel guilt and see the evidence of our mistakes in our memories and regrets. But God doesn’t see the remains of your sin or your old life. Scripture is very clear that when God forgives, He forgives completely. What we’re talking about today is the temptation in our own hearts to hold on to the guilt of our past mistakes, and the freedom God offers us through Christ’s forgiveness over every sin.

If you’ve had to grapple with guilt and regret, then you know that they can be debilitating and cause mental bondage. They can sabotage the joy and peace that belongs to every Christian. Feelings of guilt, regret, and shame prevent us from being effective witnesses of Christ. Satan, the enemy, is often the one behind such feelings. He cunningly reminds us of our past sins, filling our thoughts with accusations that produce guilt and condemnation. When he does this, remember that the devil is a liar and the truth is not in him. According to Scripture, we are empowered to resist the devil through faith in what Christ has accomplished for us.

When you are reminded of your past mistakes, remember that God has forgiven you totally and completely through Christ. Just like Romans 8:1 tells us, “…there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Accept by faith that Christ’s finished work on the cross is sufficient to deal with all of your mistakes.

Thought of the Day: When the mistakes of my past come to mind, and I experience feelings of deep guilt and shame, I will: 1) resist the enemy and the lies he tells to condemn me, and 2) thank God for total forgiveness through Jesus. There is no condemnation for me!