UNDERSTANDING GUILT
John 8:1-11
8 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Guilt over doing something that violates the conscience is a normal emotion. However, living under a cloud of remorse for no discernible reason is not. The Lord designed feelings of culpability and regret to serve as a reminder that a person has done wrong and needs to repent. But Satan twists those emotions to imprison men and women: Those living in shame often lack self-confidence and feel uncertain of God’s love.
Good guilt—the Lord’s effective tool for prompting repentance—is a gift that helps us find the right path. However, the devil encourages false guilt, which involves taking responsibility for things outside our control and then suffering self-condemnation for not changing the outcome. This unhealthy type of guilt is also a widespread problem for those in legalistic churches or lifestyles.
Self-condemnation stunts a relationship with Jesus by keeping us from authentic, satisfying interactions with Him. Instead of enjoying the peace of God, people who are trapped by shame often fear His rejection and feel driven to prove their worth. Their guilt even colors how they see themselves: Rather than saying, “My action is wrong,” they say, “I am bad.”
Jesus did not come to accuse or condemn us. Christ restored our souls and made us righteous before God. If our Savior forgave the woman caught in an adulterous relationship (John 8:11), just imagine how ready He is to take your shame away, too. If you still carry any guilt, surrender it to Jesus today, and He will give you freedom.
Intouch Ministries