Guilt is the emotion provoked when we have done something wrong-when we’ve sinned against God and others. A godly response to guilt is motivated by love and humility to restore what was broken through sorrow and repentance. Jesus is drawing us to Himself, again and again to acknowledge our sin and ask for forgiveness.
Guilt motivated by Fear and Pride (instead of Love and Humility) can put us away from restoration. There will be no effort to Repent or Restore relationship. Instead, is motivated by preserving or protecting our own image. It holds us in bondage to the sin that already has been paid for because we are refusing to confess our sin and seek forgiveness.
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Shame can motivate us to easily distrust others, avoid vulnerability, isolate ourselves and develop self-loathing.
Guilt says: “You did something wrong.”Shame says: “You need to hide.” Christ says: “Come to me.”
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
God wants us to approach His throne of Grace and repent so we can live as free as Jesus paid for us to live. He wants a restored relationship! He wants to forgive! But we cannot receive any of these benefits if we run and hide.
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:8-12
This reveals: God doesn’t want to treat us the way we deserve! He desires to give us mercy and to clean us so we can live in fellowship with Him! We must use our Faith to Believe God truly gave everything so we could be in right standing with Him. Now it is up to us to Believe Him, turn to Him in genuine repentance so He can wash us clean and we can be refreshed and renewed.
