Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. - Psalm 51:2-3
Are you filled with guilt? You shouldn't be, because it wipes you out physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Logically, when it comes to guilt, the best way to avoid it is simply to do what is right. When you don't do the right thing (and we all make mistakes), you need to:
•First, confess your sin to God with a genuine desire to get things right. I promise that when you pursue the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ, with an attitude of seeking to get things right it will free you of guilt. He wipes the slate clean.
•Second, seek forgiveness from those that you've wronged. Make restitution.
•Third, (and so important) forgive yourself. Some struggle with this, but you should recognize that when God has forgiven you, you can forgive yourself.
•Fourth, don't confuse forgiveness with the removal of consequences. God forgives immediately, but you have to deal with the consequences of your sin.
The good news is you can be free of guilt when you seek to get things right – God's way – and His way never includes guilt!
