The Source of Guilt

2 Corinthians 7:9-10 - 9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

I once read a survey that asked 500 people what emotions they felt when experiencing guilt. The answers were heartbreaking. People reported feeling punished, depressed, worthless, rejected, and isolated. A general sense of low self-esteem overwhelmed the respondents. There was no joy, no hope, and no vitality. In a sense, it is as though the feelings of guilt had completely blotted out everything else in their lives.

This seems like such a sad way to exist, and yet it’s safe to assume that all of us—even those of us who are believers—have gone through these exact same emotions. In fact, you may be dealing with intense guilt right now. If so, let’s consider one simple question: Where does your guilt come from?

In 2 Corinthians 7:10, we see two forms of guilt. One is a sorrow that comes from God. This call to repentance is a tool the Lord uses to draw unbelievers to Himself through salvation in Christ. It also motivates believers to confess any wrongs causing “interference” in their fellowship with Him.

A second form of guilt is the dark emotion that plagues people with remorse and the reactions mentioned on the survey. Such sorrow isn’t from God at all, but from the world.

If you’ve received Jesus’ free gift of salvation but still struggle under the assault of guilt, let Scripture assure you: these feelings didn’t come from God. He is not attacking you. Rather, He holds the keys to your freedom. Don’t fall victim to the Enemy’s lies. In Christ, you are forgiven and free. Lay down your chains today.