Overcoming Guiltنموونە

  

Introduction

As we conclude this journey through Scripture, let’s take another look at some key points.

• A      starting point in the right direction toward overcoming guilt is      confessing or owning up to our wrongdoing. 
• God’s      mercy and willingness to pardon us is not based on our merit. We are      undeserving of all God does to remove our guilt.
• Whether      we view our wrongdoing as a tiny pebble or a mountain, the stain of our      misdeeds is not too great to be wiped clean. 
• God      always keeps his word, and he promises to forgive us of our wrongs when we      confess them to him.
• We      can receive the unearned, undeserved gift of forgiveness through Christ,      who is himself a gift to the world. 
• Only      by accepting the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for humanity can forgiveness      of sin and a clear conscience be achieved. 

It’s one thing to accept that God has forgiven us of our wrongdoing and another to forgive ourselves. We can prevent ourselves from living in the freedom of God’s forgiveness if we do not let go the chains we place round our own neck. Today’s reading invites us to accept that Christ’s blood is far more powerful than all the other offerings ever given to make amends for our wrongdoing. It never loses its cleansing power and is a never-ending offering for our sin. To continue to hold ourselves ransom is to suggest that Christ’s blood is ineffective to do what the Scriptures say. 

Pray

God, thank you for making it possible for me to be free of guilt. Help me to embrace this freedom daily and perhaps lead someone else to what I have found in you. 

Read

The writer of Hebrews notes the power of Christ’s eternal offering of himself for sin. 

Hebrews 9:13-14

Reflect

The writer of Hebrews makes a clear comparison between Christ’s eternal, once-and-for-all offering of his own blood for the sins of humanity versus the blood of animals offered repeatedly by ancient high priests. Unlike those offerings, Jesus’s sacrifice is powerful enough to bring inward transformation and “purify our consciences from useless rituals, so that we may serve the living God” (verse 14 GNT). Because the effectiveness of this offering never ends, we can release ourselves from the grip of guilt and daily embrace the freedom that God offers.

Respond

The singing trio Three Bridges penned the song entitled, “Forgive Myself.” The third verse reads:

It's time to forgive and forget

Mercy has no memory, grace has no regret

God took those sins and carried them far as the east is from the west

And if Jesus can forgive me, then it's time to forgive myself

Christ, the “perfect sacrifice” forgives us when we confess our sins and turn to him. If he can do that, why should we, imperfect as we are, withhold forgiveness from ourselves? Forgive yourself. Let go of your guilt. Ask God to help you live out this decision every day. Consider listening to the full song.