Accepting Guilt

Regarding the topic of guilt, there is a difference between being guilty and the feelings associated with guilt. There should be a connection between the two, however, this is not always true. The fact of having done wrong or committed a crime is irrefutable guilt, but the feelings of the guilty may differ. The guilty may not care. Perhaps one is indifferent regarding their indiscretion, this does not change their guiltiness. Indifference toward guilt is significant. A lack of conviction will not lead one to seek restitution thus resulting in no change.

Concern over guilt is the proper response. I should feel bad when I have broken a law, a command, or a heart, however, the feeling is not there for me to drown in, or wallow in; its purpose is to lead me to pursue a path of change. There are certain things that cannot be restored, however, there is always a path available to make things right as much as is within us.

The proper response to guilt is godly sorrow….

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (2nd Corinthians 7:9-10)

David- “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” (2^nd Samuel 12:13) David could not undo the destruction that came about because of his adultery. He still would face certain consequences in his life moving forward, however, by accepting his guilt, the LORD forgave him.

The Prodigal Son– “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee…and the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” (Luke 15:18;21) The prodigal could not undo the hurt he had previously caused his father, however, by acknowledging his guilt, the father forgave his son, bringing immense joy to his father. (Luke 15:21-24)

While accepting guilt may be difficult, it is essential if we are to be set free.