How to Overcome Guilt and Shame
Overcome Guilt & Shame
Do you struggle with feelings of guilt or shame? If so, I have good news for you! You can overcome those feelings of guilt and experience complete freedom in your life. God never intended for you to struggle day after day with feelings of guilt, shame and condemnation. John 3:17 tells us, “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Unfortunately, many are held captive with feelings of failure and defeat because of guilt and shame. Feelings of guilt plague believers when they allow Satan to continue to remind them of faults and mistakes that have been forgiven and washed by the blood of Jesus. Satan is the “accuser of the brethren.” (Revelation 12:10) He wants you to continue to be crippled by feelings of guilt. If guilt is not properly dealt with it can lead to shame which can become a stronghold that keeps a believer from living an abundant life of liberty and purpose.
There is a “Breakthrough for You” to overcome guilt and shame by applying these 5 truths to your life;
First, receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. To be set free from fear, guilt, shame and condemnation requires a person to be “born again”. (John 3:3) The only way we can properly deal with guilt is through Jesus. We all have done things that are not right, and from an objective and legal standpoint we are guilty. (Romans 3:23) However, in Christ we are forgiven and declared not guilty. He is the way, the truth, and life. (John 14:6) Jesus is the answer receive him today. Click here to find out how.
Second, know and understand that Jesus paid the price in full for your sin and the Father accepted the death of Jesus on the cross as payment to satisfy the demands of justice. No matter how bad someone has messed up or how many times they have made mistakes, the penalty we deserve for those mistakes has already been paid for by Jesus. (Romans 6:18, 22; 8:1) Not only do you need to know that you are forgiven you have to receive that forgiveness. See number 3 –
Third,you must receive the free gift of forgiveness and freedom from guilt by faith. Some Christians struggle with doubts about their sins being forgiven. They continue to feel guilty because of their failures and shortcomings. They feel unworthy and that there is no way they can be forgiven. Often they won’t forgive themselves and continue to beat themselves up. Others don’t receive forgiveness because they don’t take responsibility for their mistakes and try to shift the blame. If we take responsibility for our mistakes and repent we can receive the forgiveness that is already ours. Jesus has forgiven you for all your sin and all the sins of the world. However, you have to receive that forgiveness, it is a gift.
Fourth,continue to walk in the truth and abide in Jesus. (John 15:1-7) Once a person receives Christ and the gift of forgiveness and righteousness they must continue to keep their trust and faith in Jesus and not shift to trusting in their own efforts. We need God’s mercy and grace each day. His mercies are new every day and His grace is sufficient for every situation. He empowers us to live a holy and righteous life. If we miss it we keep our faith in Christ and receive His forgiveness.
Fifth, Give God the praise and stay thankful. Our praise to God is not to provide Him with anything He lacks, instead it is the proper response to the things He has given us. Praise is not a commodity that God needs but it is our offering and sacrifice, to Him. We have much to give thanks and praise to God for including His forgiveness of all our failures and mistakes. We should give God praise for His forgiveness and His mercy: “Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy“ (Micah 7:18).:“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness“ (Lamentations 3: 22, 23 ).
In Christ you have been forgiven. Your sins are as far as the east is from the west. Receive His forgiveness and be set free from guilt and shame.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”(John 8:36)
