Dear Friend,

Are you in an emotional battle because of guilt? Is your guilt a loving instrument of God – used to convict, correct and conform your character when you stray the wrong way? Or, do you battle feelings of shame and condemnation when guilt appears?

The Bible says … “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Realize, both true guilt and false guilt exist, and the differences are great. …

True Guilt is:

  • Based on fact, not on feelings
  • Results in godly sorrow over sin
  • Brings conviction from the Spirit of truth and results in repentance
  • Accepts forgiveness
  • Leads to freedom as your relationship with God is restored

False Guilt is:

  • Based on feelings, self-condemning feelings that you have not lived up to your own expectations or those of someone else
  • Arises when you blame yourself, even though you’ve committed no wrong, or after you’ve confessed and turned from your sin
  • Keeps you in bondage to three destructive weapons – shame, fear and anger
  • Brings condemnation from your adversary Satan
  • Results in depression and alienation from God and others

True guilt is your friend, a godly companion who whispers truth and motivates you to repent and be set free. False guilt is a relentless foe. All too often, guilt is the unseen enemy … an adversary to your God-given value and worth. When you feel guilty, learn to discern: Are you facing a friend or fighting a foe?

The next time you struggle with feelings of guilt, determine whether it is true or false guilt. Then, remember God’s truth … “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Yours in the Lord’s hope,

June Hunt

June Hunt

June Hunt, Guilt: Living Guilt Free, Biblical Counseling Keys Library (Dallas, Hope For The Heart, 2017), 1, 2 11–12.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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