"The Origin of Guilt and Shame"

Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." (John 3:16-21 NIV).

Today I want to handle a very important issue: The Origin of Guilt and Shame. I meet many Christians who don’t understand the root of guilt and shame. So, let me be quick to state that guilt does not come from God. The devil often uses guilt to keep us from doing the will of God and growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Let me be quick to say that there is a difference between guilt and conviction. God does speak to us concerning our need to turn to Him for forgiveness, but His tools are not shame and guilt.

The definition of guilt has to do with remorse for having done something wrong. Furthermore, guilt is being responsible for an offense. A Christian’s sins have been paid for on the Cross. One of the very definitions of guilt is "guilty conduct; sin". The sin debt of a Christian was heavy, but every bad offense we have ever committed has been covered over by the grace of Jesus Christ. We still sin, but Jesus doesn't get back on the Cross. His death was sufficient for all our sins. The Bible says there is "no condemnation" for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Please don’t misunderstand, you may feel sorry for your sins and ask God for forgiveness. That’s what we call repentance, but God’s motivating factor in obedience is love, not guilt. God guides His children to obey Him with a loving hand. Many times we suffer the consequences of our sins. God will lead us to follow Him exclusively, but He will do it with love, not with guilt.

Jesus didn’t come to earth to bring condemnation. He came to bring salvation to all who would believe in Him. Thank God today that there is no guilt for the person who knows and loves Jesus Christ. Don’t let the devil keep you in your past any longer. Turn all of your life, past, present and future over to the One who loves you so much that He gave Himself for you! Turn your life over to Jesus!