“How much more then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” -Hebrews 9:14

When we feel guilty — whether it’s legitimate or not — we are in pain. Shame and guilt: for not doing enough, not being with my kids enough, not working hard enough, for spending too much money, or being too lazy. For whatever reason you feel guilt: it’s painful. Pain and guilt are identical in their function and experience, to alert you that something is wrong. But sometimes when we feel pain, it’s nerve damage, and it’s happening in the religious lives of many people. Guilt can be a symptom of immorality in your life that needs to be repaired, but it can also be nerve damage where nothing’s wrong — but you still feel the pain. Some of you, especially if you grew up in a very strict household or religious environment, have spiritual nerve damage. You’re always feeling guilty. Some of you feel guilt and shame for something somebody did to you. It’s not your fault. God doesn’t want you to feel guilty like a doctor doesn’t want you to be in pain. If you feel pain in the body, it should drive you to the hospital, and if you feel guilt in your heart, it should drive you to the loving hands of our Father. Let God slather your guilt with his goodness and grace.

PRAYER: Thank you, Father, for wanting my guilt. You want to take over my guilt and replace it with your love. Please help me to surrender my guilt to you.

REFLECTION: Do you want to hold onto your guilt? Are you able to give it to God? Try. God doesn’t want you to feel guilty.