Is feeling guilty a good thing?

Our conscience is like a thermostat for how we are measuring up to a standard of right and wrong. If our conscience is determined by God’s word it can properly commend or rebuke us and our behavior. Note Romans 2:15: “…who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them.”

It is a good thing for the conscience to feel bad when we are guilty. It is a very personal warning system.

A guilty conscience can drive us in a good way or a bad way. I am sorry for people who feel guilt for past deeds and do not know what to do. Guilt is a heavy burden that can destroy a person.

The word of God helps us fully and completely correct and reset a guilty conscience. It can bring us to repentance, confession and an appeal for forgiveness. That can be done for a person we have offended. Certainly all sin needs to be taken before God in that way.

Consider this text that speaks of guilt and the grief it produces. Not only does it describe the burden and grief produced by guilt, the text also describes the solution for a guilty conscience.

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:6-10).

If you would like to know more about forgiveness and the easing of a guilty conscience, give me a call so we can read the Bible together.