The Prison of Guilt

Written by Vinnie Tumia

Guilt is a relentless task-master. The regrets of our past haunt us in waves. Our thoughts can turn into vicious accusations that force us to play both prosecutor and defense lawyer in our own trial. Yet, there is a truth that we often forget in this equation. The fact is that there is an outside, unseen force that loves to fuel our guilt. He pours fuel on accusations like someone pouring gas on a bonfire.

Revelation 12:10
“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” 

Day. And. Night. Underline that in your Bible as a reminder of who our enemy is. Satan is the grand accuser. He loves to remind us of each failure, sin, and poor choice- small and large. He whispers our failures in the most inconvenient times. He is tenacious. Unfortunately, Satan also exaggerates the impact.

The sad news is that we often give him a microphone in our hearts to say what he wants. Yet God is also requesting an opportunity to speak into our lives. He would remind us of His unbelievable promises of forgiveness and grace, if given a chance.

1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

God promises His forgiveness, and we can trust Him based on His character. He is a promise keeper (“faithful”) who doesn’t measure our sins to determine if they are forgivable. God forgives each one, and will never bring them up against us. Ever. They are removed from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). That is an immeasurable distance.

While we cannot remove all the consequences of our bad choices, we can rejoice in the promise of God’s never-ending forgiveness. The next time the accusations build in your heart, call out the accuser and claim God’s promise of forgiveness. Remind the accuser that Jehovah God proclaimed you forgiven. You are justified and innocent of every accusation.

Then, take time to thank God for His unbelievable grace and kindness to you!