Guilt

• 2 min. read • grade level: 5

How do we handle guilt when things go wrong? Sometimes we blame ourselves for things totally out of our control. Sometimes we really did sin. Sometimes it was not deliberate sin, but simply carelessness, which caused a problem. God is greater than all of these. If we did sin, we need to repent and confess it (1 John 1:9⁹That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (John 1:9)). Then we need to accept God’s forgiveness. “It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth?” (Rom 8:33-34³³Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. ³⁴Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:33‑34)). If God forgives us and justifies us, He does not expect us to condemn ourselves. Everything is under His control. No stupidity or carelessness on our part can open even the door of death — God holds the key (Rev. 1:18¹⁸I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:18)), and it will not open without His permission.

From what seems to be a tragedy, God brings good. God has purposes of good both for the one who seemed to trigger the tragedy and for the one who is affected. “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)). This verse does not say, “All things work together for good to those who follow God,” or “to those who never make mistakes.” There are two qualifications, and all believers meet both of them. First, we must love God — and “we [do] love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19¹⁹The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. (John 4:19)). Second, we must be called, and Romans 8:30³⁰Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Romans 8:30) assures us that we are. Perhaps we will never see the good a seeming tragedy brings this side of heaven; after all, we walk by faith, not by sight. But just because we don’t see the good doesn’t mean it’s not there. God is good, and He loves us infinitely.

“In the center of the circle
Of the will of God I stand;
There can be no second causes;
All must come from His dear hand.”

— IGW