How to Handle Guilt

“I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

The newspaper headline read: “Bank Robber turns Himself in After 20 Years.” The accompanying story told how a man finally had gone to a local jail and confessed to a crime he had committed twenty years before. Why would he voluntarily surrender to authorities when he might not be found out - at least on earth? “I just could not live with the guilt anymore,” the man said.

Guilt afflicts the entire human race. We know the inner gnawing and churning that come with having violated the moral or civil code. It drives some to depression, others to compulsive behavior, others to suicide.

The foundation for dealing with all guilt is the cross where Christ died. Jesus, the Son of God, became a guilt offering for us. Because Christ bore God’s ultimate judgment, we are free to experience the forgiveness of God.

When we receive Christ by faith, God declares us “not guilty.” The slate is clean. We are pardoned from our sin - from both its penalty (which is death) and its guilt. Our consciences are cleansed and our burdens are lifted.

“Seek the LORD while He may be found...For He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7