3 Biblical Remedies for Guilt and Shame

 

 by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Even since Adam and Eve took one bite of fruit humans have dealt with guilt and shame.

God warned them.

Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. (Genesis 2:16-17 NKJV)

Up until that time they had only known good. Then a serpent’s words carried more weight to their minds than what their Creator told them.

The temptation to know everything sucked Adam and Eve into the trap.

Through mercy, God brought the skins of a slain animal to cover the guilt. The couple was forgiven.

But the shame continued. Their minds probably ran away with the accusations that came from the mouth of their tempter. “You are bad.” “Look at what you did.” “The human race is doomed because of you.”

This is what the devil does. He tempts and then when we give in, he accuses and condemns us.

What is the difference between guilt and shame?

Guilt is tied to what we do. Guilt says, “I did bad.

Shame is tied to who we perceive we are. Shame says, “I am bad.”

God gave us a conscience so we would know right from wrong. But once we repent, He doesn’t want us to live in guilt and shame. 

Guilt pricks us due to a wrong behavior. Our conscience tells us something is wrong, and we need to change.

But after we receive forgiveness shame can remain if we don’t live in our righteous identity in Christ.

Shame can lock onto the mind and condemn us for the behavior that has been forgiven. Shame can cause addictions because the person seeks to medicate the pain of past sins.

Here are 3 Biblical Remedies for Guilt and Shame

1. Focus on forgiveness instead of the sin. We admit we are guilty sinners, but because of the blood of Jesus, we don’t stay that way. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

2. Dwell in the presence of Christ. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine neither can you, unless you abide in Me (John 15:4 NKJV).

3. Change the way we think. Agree with who God says we are. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2).

Our true identity, or we could say our true being, is not dependent on our behavior. A born-again person’s identity is based on what Christ did, not what we do. Despite our sinful actions, we are a new creation in Christ in our spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our soul (mind and emotions) must remain focused on the Word to cleanse us from wrong beliefs so we will live according to the change in us.

Shame is not our identity. We are righteous in our inner being.

Living in a sense of shame is not the same thing as being referred to as shameless.

“Have you no shame?” is directed toward those who continually commit evil acts.

What they really are is conscience-less. They aren’t embarrassed by sinful behavior. Sometimes they flaunt it. God gave us a conscience to direct us from right and wrong. Even a person who is not born again has a sense of good and evil until they continue to ignore the nudge and their heart becomes hardened. The conscience no longer directs. Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2).

A victorious life depends on knowing who we are in Christ. There is no room for shame or guilt because it has been dealt with at the cross. Our place is to receive that truth and become free.  If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32).

Only the truth that is known sets us free.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

How can we overcome guilt and shame (click to share on X)

 

 

 

 

How Can We Know and Do God's Will?

 

 by Barbara Latta

Sometimes we as believers struggle with wondering if we are following God’s will for our lives.

What if you discovered a resource that contained encouragement, Scriptural direction, and connection with other Christians that was offered at no cost to you?

Lighthouse Bible Studies publishes a digital magazine, Refresh, three times per year. The theme for the Spring issue is "Knowing and Doing God’s Will." Twenty-four authors share articles that help us follow God in every aspect of our lives and is offered in two parts.

 It’s free to sign up and receive this wonderful publication by email. Subscribe here 

Refresh Part 1

Refresh Part 2

Here are some examples and quotes from the Spring issue:

 

5 Parenting Lessons from Biblical Mothers

by Barbara Latta

I have joined a group of authors and bloggers by sharing free downloads to enrich your spiritual life. If you would like to have this bundle of freebies, click this link: https://jenniferthayerknight.com/seeds-of-faith/ before May 10.

 Mother’s Day is a time to honor and remember our mothers for their love and sacrifice throughout the years. As mothers ourselves, our children will be bringing gifts to honor us. 

When our offspring show us love, their words are appreciated more than we can express.

  But sometimes thoughts of all the mistakes we have made while raising our children attack us. This is when we need to rely on God’s Word and know He forgives us. 

He doesn’t want us to look back in regret. When we focus on training our children in the fear of the Lord, He blesses our efforts. 

We can learn 5 parenting lessons from these biblical mothers. 

5 Ways to Remain Joyful in the Journey Even When It’s Hard

 

5 ways to remain joyful in the journey

5 Ways to Remain Joyful in the Journey Even When It’s Hard

Life happens. We all endure hardships in our lives and trying times can be overwhelming. God tells us to always remain joyful (Philippians 4:4). But how do we do that when circumstances weigh heavily upon our shoulders and each step we take may seem like we are going uphill against a pile of rocks?

The answer to every problem we face is grounded in the word of God and this is no different. We also need to see joy as different from happiness. Joy is the deep abiding presence of God. He is with us no matter what. Our emotions may fluctuate, but the Lord is always there to strengthen us and remind us of His love. Joy is the assurance of faith.

 Here are 5 ways we can stay joyful in the journey of life no matter what obstacles comes our way:

1. Put God first. When we let God control our lives, we reap the blessing of His hand. His peace, comfort and joy will be allowed to permeate our souls, as well as having our needs met.  

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).

2. Focus on the positive. Difficult and tragic situations can make life seem impossible to bear, but continually dwelling on how bad things are only brings depression.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8).

3. Do something for others. The best way to take our minds off our problems is to help someone else who is going through bad times.

Let each of you look not only for his own interest, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4).

4. Pray. Staying in contact with our heavenly Father opens the door for Him to give us the answer to what we are seeking.

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray. My voice you shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up (Psalm 5:1-3).

5. Take one day at a time. When we try to figure things out on our own, we can become confused which leads to wrong decisions. Trusting God with each new day and listening to His direction will give answers we never could have found on our own.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:4-5).

Jesus tells us difficult times will come, not because He sends them, but because we have an enemy who wants to destroy us. But he also commands His followers to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

With the overcomer on our side, we can’t lose, but it’s up to us to stay connected to Him so that His power can transform any situation we encounter.

Join the conversation and share other verses you stand on to remain joyful in the journey.

5 ways to stay joyful in the journey of life (click to share on X)

 

 

The Pre-Incarnate Christ and His Body's Eternal Change

 

The Pre-Incarnate Christ and His Body's Eternal Change

by Barbara Latta

This is a chapter from my book, Redemption, the Heartbeat of Christmas, What the Birth of Christ Means to the World. This book is not only about Christmas, it is about why Jesus appeared as He did.  Jesus was born so He could die and rise from the dead. He was born so we could have Easter.

The Word of God became flesh for us, but that change also affected Him. 

Age changes us. Because of our Eden ancestors our bodies degenerate. We do all we can to physically young. Nips and tucks, creams and lotions, hair dyes and make-up provide temporary fixes. 

But we can also change for the better mentally and emotionally when we learn from our youthful experiences. We can grow in wisdom.

Every day after we are born our bodies start to deteriorate. We don’t see the effects of this change right away because babies and children’s bodies don’t reflect wrinkles and sags. 

The result of sin is in our DNA. Thankfully these aging physical changes are not eternal. One day we will receive an immortal, age-immune body but for now we must live with the fallen flesh we inherited.

What about the physical body of Jesus? He exchanged His heavenly form for a limited physical body, yet His had no fallen nature. His substance altered when He left the presence of the Father to live on earth.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

Jesus existed in eternity past as the Word of God (John 1:1). He was there at the creation of the world. In the Old Testament, He showed up as the Angel of the Lord. He visited Abraham and Sarah, Hagar talked with Him in the desert, He wrestled with Jacob, and He stood before Joshua with a drawn sword.

He was forever with God and is God, yet He was willing to lay aside the benefits of deity to become a human.

7 Lessons From the Book of Nehemiah to Help Us Fulfill Our Assignment on Earth

 

by Barbara Latta

Do you ever get confused about your purpose in life? What assignment do you feel God wants you to accomplish?

Well, our first desire should be to glorify God in all we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). As we give Him the glory, we can learn a lot from Nehemiah about fulfilling the objective God has called us to achieve.

For example, I feel called to write. I didn’t pursue this plan in my younger years, but I never had a settled feeling until I started to seek this goal. Each of us has reason to be here. Until we discover that calling, we will not be fulfilled.

These 7 lessons can help you define your purpose in life.

What the World Needs Now is Love

 

by Barbara Latta

There’s an old song that states, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” The truth is the world doesn’t just need love now; the world has always needed love.

The political fireballs burning now spit sparks across the land. Opinions fly based on which news cast was watched.  We can debate these happenings without a solution until the blaze burns hotter because governments can’t transform a person’s heart.

While programs and laws can help bring temporary change, only the Lord God Almighty, who created the heavens, the earth, and humanity has the answer.

And the answer is repentance and humility toward Him. Violence stems from hatred, and hatred is born from a soul that is separated from God.

We throw the word love around like it’s a catch phrase for all kinds of feelings. We love our families, our dog, chocolate, or our car. Each of these have a different attachment to our lives, but we reference them with the same word.

What is real love?