Guilt is a Powerful Thing.

Guilt is a powerful thing.  It has the capability to make a person crumble into a million little pieces. It has the power to hold a person captive with no seemingly easy way to escape. It leaves a person weak and vulnerable to our adversary, the devil. If you don’t believe my previous statements, take a look at Matthew 27:3-5.

“3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

Guilt had Judas in such a strong hold that the only out in his sight was suicide. Talk about power.  This used to confuse me.  Jesus’ blood was strong enough to cover the sins of even Judas, but Judas chose a different course. How could he pass up such a wonderful opportunity?  Until I had experienced a great deal of guilt, I did not understand. Guilt has driven me to be tempted by things that I am too embarrassed to even bring up.  With this, I have a few things to say about taking away the power of guilt.

11.)    Seek Jesus forgiveness.  1 John 1:7 says that the blood of Jesus is able to cover all of our sins.  Take advantage of that.

22.)    Seek forgiveness from others.  Lean on your brothers and sisters in Christ! We are all supposed to forgive one another, and I am positive that fellow Christians will help you pick up the pieces.

33.)    Do not use guilt as an excuse to sin.  1 Corinthians 10:13 says that God will make a way of escape when we are tempted.  Keep looking for that escape! Do not allow guilt to overpower you.

44.)    Forgive yourself.  I think this is the hardest step of them all.  Think of it this way: If God forgave your sin, you should be able to forgive yourself.  I mean, it wasn't your son that hung upon the cross.  He is God’s son, so lay your burdens upon him and leave them there!

Guilt is a powerful thing, but I will no longer let it run my life.  I will not end up like Judas.