Overcoming GuiltSample

Introduction

I love receiving gifts. A gift is something I do not have to earn, something I might not even deserve. When someone gives me something at their will, I’m usually grateful. Forgiveness is a priceless gift. We don’t earn it. We don’t deserve it. But we can accept it for what it is—a gift. Through Christ, who is himself a gift to the world, we can receive forgiveness of sin. Unearned. Undeserved. 

Pray

God., I am not worthy of your forgiveness or the pardon of those I have wronged. But I thank you that, through Christ, I am forgiven. 

Read

The writer of 1 John urges us not to do wrong but gives us hope for when we fall short.

1 John 2:1-2

Reflect

We can’t always afford a good lawyer to plead our case when we are found on the wrong side of the law. And even when we can, there’s no guarantee we won’t have to pay the penalty. When we go against God’s law, Jesus acts as our advocate and pleads for us. “Christ himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven” (GNT). Because of his righteousness, the gift of his life given for us, we can experience forgiveness of our wrongdoing.

Respond

Guilt stays when we reject forgiveness. Decide today to ask for and receive the forgiveness that God offers. As you ponder this challenge, you may listen to Moriah Peter’s song, “No Shame.” Here’s a part of the song: 

He knows your name

Every tear you cry

He knows the pain

How you feel alone

Feel the weight of the blame

But mercy longs to reach us

In the arms of Jesus

There is no shame