Question of the Day

When Kenneth and Gloria started their journey of faith they had questions too—lots of them! So, we've compiled the most frequently asked questions by people like you—people who earnestly desire to find God's answers to the practical, real-life challenges of everyday living. We have a new question every day, so check back often!

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How do I overcome guilt and shame from my past?
How do I overcome guilt and shame from my past?
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Feelings of guilt, shame, regret, fear and unworthiness—usually stemming from a past mistake or experience—all fall under the category of condemnation. These past sins or experiences could have happened 10 years ago or 10 minutes ago. Anytime we miss the mark, and we all do from time to time, the enemy will try his best to bring condemnation on us.

So, what are we to do? We are to believe and stand on the Word of God! When it comes to guilt, you can stand on Romans 8:1; Psalm 34:22; 1 John 1:9; Isaiah 43:25; and Psalm 103:10.

The Holy Spirit will let us know when we’ve missed the mark by convicting us of sin, but He doesn’t aim to make us feel guilty, unworthy and fearful. Rather, He leads us to repentance. The author of condemnation is the accuser himself—the devil. His mission is to make you feel unworthy, afraid and guilty. He will often invade your thoughts or use people to accomplish his mission.

But there’s good news! You don’t have to live in condemnation, because Jesus paid the ultimate price for you to be free! Here’s how:

1.    Take Your Thoughts Captive (Philippians 3:13). Whenever you think about your past, take your thoughts of the past captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). When a condemning thought from your past crosses your mind, stop it dead in its tracks by speaking out loud. Say, “No. I don’t live in the past. Jesus has made all things new and given me a prosperous, guilt-free future. I am living fully in the present, and I look forward to what God is doing in my life right now.”

2.    Forgive Yourself (2 Corinthians 5:17). Living in condemnation because you just can’t seem to forgive yourself is self-focused, and receiving forgiveness is God-focused. So, turn your focus back on God, forgive yourself because Jesus has forgiven you, and start living in victory!

3.    Remember It Is God Who Has Made You Worthy (Romans 5:8). When God looks at you, He doesn’t see your past. Do you know what He sees? He sees the worthy blood of Jesus covering you. He sees you perfect in every way, ready to complete every good work He created you to do in this world. You don’t have to struggle to prove yourself to Him. As far as He’s concerned, you’re a proven success.

The next time you catch yourself struggling to make up to God for something you’ve done wrong, or you find yourself working to win His approval or the approval of others, stop and rest in His love for you. Remind yourself of how much God loves you. You are worthy to be loved by God Almighty! Your job is to please the Lord with your life. You already measure up.