OVERCOMING GUILT FEELINGS

Ron Bainbridge

TODAY’S MESSAGE OF

FROM

Discovering a BETTER LIFE MINISTRIES

https://abl-alb.wixsite.com/discoverabetterlife

(Stories of Real People, Real Events, Real Places) Are dedicated to HELPING

PEOPLE FIND PEACE and HOPE

(John 10:10)

(April 11th, 2020)

OVERCOMING GUILT FEELINGS

Friend, emotional maladjustment's and nervous breakdowns occur too frequently in our society. Perhaps we will never be aware of all the factors involved. But psychologists are quick to point out that behind many of our problems is an aggravated sense of guilt.

Victims of trouble often have a nagging feeling of guilt. They feel that if they have been singled out to bear so much pain, perhaps God is punishing them for something. A woman is deserted by her husband. She has to care for a sick child alone. She recalls that she made a serious mistake when she was a teenager. “Could it be that God will pursue me and punish me for the rest of my life” she asks? She knows that suffering is not proof that God is punishing us. But she feels alone and returns to her guilt again and again. Sometimes we are miserable and unhappy because we have transgressed the law of God. However, the reason for our unhappiness is, that instead of seeking forgiveness, we try in vain to cover up, our sins.

Sometimes this is done by a pragmatic denial of our guilt. Or else we rationalize by saying, "Yes, I did wrong, but it really wasn't my fault." Or again, we delude ourselves into believing that the mere passing of time will erase the stain of sin. However, employ whatever device we may, Solomon Says, "He that hides his sins shall not prosper" (Proverbs 28:13). Friend, there is a better way to deal with guilt. No man or woman has to live with a troubled conscience when forgiveness is within reach. The first step to take is confession.

God shares with us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Without such confession to God the burden of guilt becomes unbearable!

As William M. Elliott, Jnr. has said, "Instead of denying our sins, and thus pushing the guilt deeper down into the soul, we must confess it, get it up and out!" Forgiveness awaits the condition of confession.

The second step is the forsaking of sin.

However, to say that "We're sorry and repent and then go on from day to day, just as we always went" is worthless! Confession must be coupled with the forsaking of wrongdoing, only then shall we experience the mercy of God.

There is no magical value to the little words, "I'm sorry," as long as one continues to practice sin. Confession minus reformation equals nothing. If you are reading this message today, and you are tired of a sick conscience and the misery which endless self-reproach produces, remember there is a way to get rid of guilt. Terrible sin was upon the record of Saul of Tarsus. But his attitude was right. He questioned, "What shall I do Lord?” The instruction Saul received was, "Rise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins" (Acts 22:16). How simple, and how totally loving on the part of our Heavenly Father to release a man from all guilt in such a simple act. Saul obeyed those instructions - and was transformed into the great, serving apostle Paul.

Friend, if you would like to know more about accepting God’s forgiveness, we encourage you to write for our two FREE booklets titled: “CAN I BE FORGIVEN?” and “Accepting Forgiveness.” Our Postal Address is: Discovering A BETTER LIFE, P.O. Box 1540, Albany Western Australia 6331. Phone us on: (08) 98 418 418

Or E-mail us at: abl-alb@omninet.net.au

“A primary method for gaining a mind full of peace

Is to practice emptying the mind! At least twice

A day, empty your mind of fears, hates,

Insecurities, regrets, and guilt feelings!”

Norman Vincent Peale, (1898-1993)

Friend, until tomorrow, when we shall share a new message of encouragement with you, may our Loving God lift you up on eagle’s wings and provide you with His Peace, Wisdom, and Love.