Guilty, or Not?

Guilt....that feeling seems to creep over me a lot in life.  It probably has something to do with my perfectionistic and people pleasing nature.  It is a plague that I need to do something about!  I am sure that you have found yourself in similar circumstances from time to time, and yes sometimes there is a very good reason for that feeling to come creeping in.  During those times forgiveness needs to be sought out, but I am thinking more along the lines of guilt that is there unnecessarily.

Guilt is described as self-reproach for supposed inadequacy or wrongdoing.  It is placing upon ourselves the feeling of failure, where failure is not due.  It can creep in when you feel as if you did not do what others thought you should, you are not good enough at what you have to do, or maybe you set too high of a standard for yourself overall!!  Whatever the case may be, Satan loves it when we dwell in the plague of guilt!  Then we are not claiming what is rightfully ours, that is above his control.  He cannot take away the fact that we are redeemed and made righteous, but he sure knows how to distract us in to forgetting!!!  Whether we are a mother, sibling, friend, spouse or child, there are many things thrown our way that could cause us to have unnecessary guilt, that is a fact, but it is what we do with them that matters.  I am going to share yet another part of a writing by Marie Chapian that touches on this subject so profoundly.

"Examine the words you speak, because it is you who are hardest on yourself....You shall establish yourself in righteousness, in conformity with the Father's will and order.  Hear me in the wrestling of your mind, for My call of love is true and powerful.  

I shall put you in a place far from the thought of oppression or destruction.  I shall lift you up above the guilt and shame, and sin shall no longer be your master.  I shall lift you up from fear and from terror, for it shall not come near you.  

Do not caress guilt as though you deserve it.  Confess to Me your wanderings, and the ease with which you curse the One who loves you.  Guilt is not your friend, and feelings of guilt do not make you holy or clean.  Be holy as I am. 

I give you the garments of praise so you can throw away that old tattered and foul-smelling coat of collected sins and guilt.

When you are forgiven, you are free.  Whom the Son makes free is free indeed."

Are you truly guilty, or not?  The freedom in our minds comes from resting in the peace that we are forgiven and made free, knowing that He who began a good work in us is faithful to complete it, and has not, nor will not give us more than we can handle.   Be still, allowing yourself to accept with confidence that which you are and all that God has given you!

"I have blotted out as a thick cloud your transgressions, and as a cloud your sins.  Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." Isaiah 44:22 Amp. Bible