Two types of Guilt- Romans 5:20

Guilt is one of the enemy’s strongest weapons. It tears us down and makes us feel undeserving of the love Jesus Christ gives us.

Types of Guilt

There are two kinds of guilt:

1)      Godly sorrow that leads a person to repentance- Conviction from the Holy Spirit.

When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8)

2)     Condemnation- accusations from the devil

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death (2 Cor 7:10)

Guilt is a trap set by the enemy

Guilt is really a sign that we are unwilling to forgive ourselves; it grows when we dwell on our mistakes. The enemy loves to remind us of our past failures, he wants us to keep thinking about all our mess ups.

We need to learn the difference between these two types of guilt. When we recognize the first kind- Conviction- we need to ask the Lord for forgiveness but also forgive ourselves. Unlike conviction, condemnation (the second kind of guilt) should be dismissed. If we fail to dismiss this kind of guilt from our lives, we will end up building strongholds in our lives and weaken our relationship with God.

What is a Stronghold?

Strongholds are an ancient part of our history and more common than one would think. As cities formed and populations grew, people began to realize that living in out in the open made them victim to dangers. Builders soon created walls/barriers around their homes and cities to protect their citizens. A city with walls was a more secure location. As the city prospered, it would begin to gain control on surrounding villages- which were often unprotected. This picture of a walled in city was commonly known as a stronghold.

Strongholds are points/places that are difficult to defeat because of their design (or walls). This physical stronghold can be used to represent our spiritual strongholds- They are points of defense in our lives that are hard to remove. Paul describes strongholds as anything that exalts itself against Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 for though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Guilty Strongholds

A stronghold is any lie that we believe resulting in an incorrect thinking pattern. Strongholds from guilt are often formed by a false perception of ourselves. When we hold on to guilt, we do not see God for who He truly is- a loving, merciful, & forgiving Father who has made us a new creation!

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Galatians 2:20- I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Accept His Forgiveness and Press Forward!

Christmas is a difficult time for many people. Especially for those who have struggled with guilt, depression, or loss. You may struggle with a different area that the ones mentioned today, but no matter what kind of pain you feel, it is often highlighted during the holiday season and this is because our society has forgotten the true meaning and reason for Christmas. We focus on the gifts, parties, and decorations and we can get caught in the rush of the season- leaving us stressed with money, traffic, and time!

The reason for Christmas is to celebrate a God who came to this earth to save us! No matter where you are in life- socially, financially, physically, emotionally- we all have a reason to celebrate!

1 John 1:14- The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of graceand truth.

Isaiah 9:6- For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Today my heart breaks for the community in Newtown. The tragedy they are experiences is explainable  I cannot even begin to comprehend the pain these families must feel. I have heard many ask- “How could a loving God, allow this horrible tragedy to occur- and to such innocent victims?” This is a difficult question to think about and even more difficult to answer.

As an outsider- I can explain that we serve a God who knows all things and that through this devastating event, He will create good and eventually justice will be served. But for those who are in the mist of this- and directly effected- how do they find comfort and trust in our God?

We live in a broken and fallen world. The Lord has given each of us free will to live for him or for ourselves. When we choose to live for our own flesh we may can choose to harm ourselves and unfortunately harm others. But God promises that He will work all things for good:

Romans 8:28- And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

We have not been promised a perfect/easy life. God does not say that all things are or will be good… but He does promise that He will work all things together for good for His people.

For those of you who have experienced loss, guilt, or depression during this season, ask God to set you free from the pain. Ask him to reveal his love and purpose in your life. Only He can restore your heart and once he has, you can share your story as an inspiration for others. Do not allow pain to destroy your life, instead use it to inspire, strengthen, and motivate people around you!

And for those of you who have not felt this kind of grief: REJOICE and praise the Lord for your blessings. Tell your family and friends how much you love and care for them. Do not let another day go by wasted. Make today count and remember everyday should be like Christmas… God’s gift of Grace comes more than once a year.