Gaining Ground on Guilt

In his book, Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda, Les Parrott writes these words:

Being guilty differs from feeling guilty. Guilt is the state of having done a wrong or committed an offence. This is guilt as defined by theologians. But guilt also is the painful feeling of self-reproach resulting from doing wrong--guilt as defined by psychologists. Real guilt includes feelings that are the result of having done wrong. False guilt, however, keeps the alarm ringing even after we have been notified of the problem or even when there is no danger.

False guilt is the guilt and shame felt by Christians over past sins that they have already confessed before God. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us," and Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Sin confessed to God is forgiven and we can approach his throne with confidence because his word promises that he will cast our sin away.

False guilt plagues many Christians, but it is a tool of the enemy that brings about the paralyzing evil of discouragement that paralyzes many from experiencing the abundant life promised in Christ. Christian, you've been set FREE!!! LIVE LIKE IT!