There are some words that just don’t belong together: Maserati SUV, new antiques, jumbo shrimp… “Christian guilt” is just as much of an oxymoron. Here’s why.

Guilt vs. Conviction

Guilt comes from the feeling that we are bad or wrong. We believe the lie that we are our worst moments. Guilt can be a powerful motivator as we try to work off our guilt by changing our behaviors. However, no behavior modification can change the condition of our heart. What we need is a Savior.

One of the fundamental elements of the Christian faith is the truth that Christ paid the price for our sins. His death on the cross paid the price for everything we have ever, and will ever do, that falls short of God’s standard.

Romans 8:1 tells us, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” If our sins are covered by Jesus’ death, then we are not condemned for our sins.

Christians do feel conviction. It’s proof that we have the Holy Spirit living within us. When Jesus returned to Heaven after the resurrection, he promised that he would send us a Helper – the Holy Spirit.

“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment” John 16:7-8

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin (areas we fall short) and leads us to confess and receive forgiveness. Conviction leads us to a closer relationship with Jesus when we worship him for paying the price for our sins.

Learning How to Forgive Yourself

When we recognize that Jesus forgives our sins, we are drawn to worship our gracious, loving God. We can rejoice that when someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand-new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17). As believers we have a new identity – we are not the worst things we have done.

In Psalm 103:11-12 we learn more about how God deals with our sin: “His mercy toward those who fear and honor Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.”

What a great reminder that God’s mercy is vast and that he has removed our sins. This new life can be free of guilt.

Occasionally people will say, “I know that God forgives me, but I can’t forgive myself”. Let’s look at what that statement means:

• • Your opinion is more important than God’s
  • Your emotions override the work Jesus did on the cross for you
  • You are holding yourself hostage after Jesus has set you free

I cannot comprehend that a loving heavenly Father desires this for his children. He sacrificed his own son for our freedom.

Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Delighting in Your Freedom

As a believer in Jesus, you have been set free! You can delight in your freedom and share the good news of what God has done for you with others.

You don’t have to be a Bible expert to share what God has done for you. Your personal story has power and authenticity. Your journey to freedom in Christ may help others discover their own freedom from shame and guilt. What a gift to be part of God’s plan to set his people free!

The words trusting Jesus perfectly embody the amazing truth of our faith, a truth that stands in stark contrast to the oxymoron of Christian guilt. We don’t wallow in “Christian guilt”; we rejoice in “Christian freedom” purchased by our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God that he sees followers of Jesus as his perfect and sinless children.

Our heavenly Father is so good! There is no question that he is infinitely better than “jumbo shrimp”!

✏️  AUTHOR CREDITS

This blog was written by the Mission Hills Church Care Ministry.