- Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
- Ephesians 1:4 - According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
- Ephesians 1:5 - Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
- Ephesians 1:6 - To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
- Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
- Ephesians 1:8 - Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
- Ephesians 1:9 - Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
- Ephesians 1:10 - That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
- Ephesians 1:11 - In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
- Ephesians 1:12 - That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
- Ephesians 1:13 - In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
- Ephesians 1:14 - Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
- Psalm 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Yesterday, we discussed that feelings of guilt can be both legitimate and false. But in both cases, guilt can lead us to doubt God's presence, provision, and promises. Sometimes we might even struggle to believe that He loves us.
There's another consequence of self-condemnation: trying to "pay our debt" to God for the mistakes we've made. To gain His approval, some of us constantly try to stay busy. But then other tasks remain unfinished, and the resulting regret can rob us of the joy in our relationships. Such self-condemnation can lead to discouragement and even depression.
Because guilt has such destructive power, it needs to be dealt with quickly. If we have violated God's commands, the way out is *to repent and accept His forgiveness.* False guilt, on the other hand, is overcome by embracing the truths of Scripture. Remind yourself: • *I am valuable*. God chose me and is transforming me to be like Christ. • *I am loved*. God loves me unconditionally, unchangeably, and continually. • *I am forgiven*. Jesus fully paid the price for all my sins. God has completely forgiven me and adopted me into His family.
God has already prepared a way for you to be freed from the burden of guilt you carry (Psalm 103:12). All you need to do is accept His offer.
Reflection
How do you remind yourself of God's love, your value, and your forgiveness when you are struggling with feelings of guilt?
