GUILTY

Guilty

I have found that Satan loves to use guilt in a believer's life to keep them trapped in a prison of condemnation. In Revelation 12:10 the Bible tells us that Satan is our "accuser." He loves it when a believer takes the bait and feels guilty and condemned. His work is done. It's very hard to live in the freedom Christ gives a believer if you go into another prison of condemnation. Jesus paid the price for that in full! Jesus has set us free so why do we want to go right back into prison?

Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."

What beautiful words! If we feel guilty because of sin there's an answer for it. First ask God for forgiveness then accept his cleansing love. Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross set us free! If the great "I Am" sovereign and holy God of the universe is not condemning us, why are we? Are we saying that Jesus' sacrifice wasn't sufficient?
In all we do there are consequences, some consequences are life changing while others may not even be noticeable. Instead of listening to the voice of Satan condemning us, we need to listen to the Holy Spirit of God living in us. Listening to Him will result in conviction of sin (if there is un-repented sin), forgiveness, restoration and freedom. If we listen to the Holy Spirit instead of Satan, we will deal with godly sorrow...but that's a good thing. God can and will take all our junk and use it for His glory if we allow Him to.
If those consequences include the hurt of others, we can ask their forgiveness and then give it to God and be free. We can't go back and change things in the past, but we do have today...the day that God has given us. We need to allow Christ to live through us, and use it all for His glory.
Hebrews 10:22 "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance if faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Don't continue to fall for the lies of the accuser! In faith believe God, you have been washed with pure water...no longer condemned...the prison door isn't locked...all you have to do is believe and walk through the door and live in the freedom.
Guilt has no place in a believer's life because Christ has already paid the penalty for your sin and there is no reason for Him to pay it again! If your feeling regret or godly sorrow it's a perfect opportunity to take the time and remember that Jesus has already forgiven you...then thank Him and praise Him for His glorious gift to you!

Mary Ann