Break free from the burden of guilt!
(By: Pastor Taiwo Iredele Odubiyi )
In my novel ‘Shadows from the past’, Mary asked Eva, “Can God ever forgive me?”
“What exactly have you done?” Eva wanted to know.
“Well, I have not honoured my body. I have been messing around and committed abortions, but I am ready to change and live for God.”
Eva told her, “God will forgive you. It doesn’t matter what you have done or where you have been, Jesus died to save you from your sin and its consequences if you are ready to accept what He is offering you.”
Mary looked as if she did not quite believe, which Eva noticed. Eva added, “The question is not if God will forgive you, the question is whether or not you are ready to believe what God says and accept His forgiveness. You will also have to follow Him.” …
Months later, Mary was sharing her testimony with someone and she said, “I found it difficult to forgive myself for some time but I heard God speak to my spirit that my sins have been forgiven and that He has forgotten about them.”
(Excerpts from Shadows from the past)
Sin will destroy us and our relationship with God. When we do wrong or commit sin, we should immediately confess to God and ask for mercy, He will forgive us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9)
There are two kinds of guilt. There’s one that makes a person who has committed sin go before God for mercy. This kind of guilt is from the Holy Spirit and results in freedom, joy and spiritual growth.
The second kind of guilt makes a person want to stay away from God’s presence. He or she feels condemned, hopeless and harassed by negative thoughts. This guilt is from satan and results in destruction of relationship with God, purpose and life.
Believe God’s word. If you have asked Him to forgive you, believe He has. You don’t need to feel forgiven, you just need to accept and believe it.
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