The Gift of Guilt

Earlier this year, my doctor advised me to make some lifestyle changes. My initial reaction to this news was to be defensive. I listed all the unhealthy things I rarely or never ate. I noted everything I had already been doing to try and stay healthy. The thought that I would have to make more changes seemed very unfair to me.

I could have chosen to dig in my heels and refuse to change because it seemed unfair, or I could seek counsel and identify key habits that I could change to be healthier. Maybe, I could even be thankful that we found the problem before I ended up being really sick. Refusing to make lifestyle adjustments despite receiving evidence of a needed change would not only have been foolish, but it likely would have led to more severe consequences for my health.

I have had similar experiences when I’ve felt that gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit telling me to stop or to change (maybe when I have said something unkind about someone or even just thought ill of the person who cut me off in traffic). Often, my initial reaction is defensive. Once again, I can choose to dig in my heels and refuse to change because it seems unfair, or I can be thankful that the Holy Spirit has revealed to me an area in my life where I can seek to be more like Jesus.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 14:9, Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation (NLT).

Paul wrote a similar warning to the Roman church in Romans 2:4-5: Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself.

When we experience this godly sorrow or guilt (2 Corinthians 7:10-11, Romans 8:1-2), let us not be fools who store up punishments for ourselves. Instead, let us remember that God disciplines those He loves and calls His children (Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 3:19).

When we feel convicted about our thoughts, words, or actions, let us take the advice given to us in God’s Word and seek reconciliation with our loving, heavenly Father. Let us seek direction from His Word and comfort in His presence.

Father God, we thank You that anyone who belongs to Christ is a new creation. We thank You that as our Father, You continue to discipline and refine us, making us more like Jesus. We pray that not only would we be sensitive to the voice of Your Holy Spirit, but that You would empower us to make the necessary changes in our life to be reconciled to You. Thank You for Your kindness, Your patience, and for Your love for us.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.