The Source of Guilt

0:00Here's today's In Touch Devotion. Today's Scripture reading is 2 Corinthians chapter 7, verses 9 and 10. I now rejoice not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance, for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. Researchers have found that when people experience guilt, they commonly report feeling punished, depressed, worthless, rejected, and isolated. Many describe an overwhelming sense of low self-esteem, no joy, no hope, no vitality. It's as though guilt blots out everything else in their life.

1:00That's a heavy way to live, and yet most of us have experienced these emotions at one point or another. So let's consider one simple question. Where does this guilt come from? In 2 Corinthians 7, 10, we see two forms of guilt. One is a sorrow that comes from God. This call to repentance is a tool the Lord uses to draw unbelievers to Himself through salvation and Christ. It also motivates believers to confess whatever is disrupting their fellowship with Him. A second form of guilt plagues people with remorse. This sorrow isn't from God at all, but is from the world. It leads to paralysis rather than repentance. Instead of drawing us toward God, it drives us into hiding, convincing us we're too far gone to be restored. If you've received Jesus' free gift of salvation, but still struggle under the assault of guilt, let's Scripture assure you.

2:02These feelings didn't come from God. He holds the keys to your liberation. In Christ, you are forgiven and free.