“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.” Ephesians 1:4 NIV
The struggle with guilt is common to both believers and unbelievers. Its effect on us is the same, whether the source is real or false. Feeling ashamed can lead us to doubt God’s presence, provision, or promises. We might struggle to believe He loves us. If the emotions are strong enough, we may even question our salvation. Guilt can cause us to forget we are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1). It can also make us fearful that God is judging us harshly. Another response to guilt is to try and pay the Lord back for our real or imagined mistakes. To earn His approval, we get compulsively busy and stay that way. Guilt that develops from “oughts,” “shoulds,” and “musts” will rob us of pleasure in our relationships. Time with others is ruined by twinges of guilt over incomplete tasks. This can lead to discouragement and depression. Because of guilt’s destructive power, we need to resolve it quickly. When we’ve broken God’s commands, the solution is repentance and acceptance of God’s forgiveness. False guilt, on the other hand, is erased by embracing biblical truth. We need to remind ourselves of three things. First, we are special. God chose us to belong to Him and is transforming us into Christ’s image. Second, we are loved. God’s love for us is unconditional, unchangeable, and unending. Third, we are forgiven. Jesus paid the full price for our every sin. God has permanently forgiven us and adopted us into His family. God has provided an escape from our burden of guilt. Won’t you accept His offer?
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, we accept Your offer to remove the burden of guilt from our lives.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Thank You, Father that You have permanently forgiven us and adopted us into Your family. Thank You, too, that You have provided an escape from our burden of guilt. So we accept Your offer with thanksgiving. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
2 Kings 5:1-19a
LISTEN TO TODAY’S DEVOTION
If you received our daily emails, please listen to today’s devotion on our website www.ffdl.co.za
On Facebook follow this link to start listening.