Friday, January 21 Our hearts may condemn us.​—1 John 3:20.

[Áine]

Friday, January 21

Our hearts may condemn us.—1 John 3:20.

 

Feelings of guilt are not unusual. For example, some feel guilty because of things they did before they learned the truth. Others feel guilty because of mistakes they made after baptism. (Rom. 3:23) Of course, we want to do what is right. But “we all stumble many times.” (Jas. 3:2; Rom. 7:21-23) Although we do not enjoy feeling guilty, it can do us some good. Why? Because feelings of guilt can move us to correct our course and to be determined not to repeat our mistakes. (Heb. 12:12, 13) On the other hand, it is possible to feel excessive guilt—that is, to continue to feel guilty even after we have repented and Jehovah has shown that he has forgiven us. That type of guilt can be harmful. (Ps. 31:10; 38:3, 4) It is vital that we guard against the trap of excessive guilt. After all, just think how happy it would make Satan if we were to give up on ourselves—even though Jehovah has not given up on us!—Compare 2 Corinthians 2:5-7, 11. w20.11 27 ¶12-13

[Áine]

It’s so very easy to feel excessive guilt… we can fall into the trap of feeling that we will never be forgiven, which is precisely what Satan wants us to feel, self loathing…

 

However thinking and feeling that way is akin to telling Jesus that his sacrifice wasn’t good enough for us…. Or that Jehovah sent his son to die for us for no good reason !! 
 

Both Jehovah and Jesus want us to know that our sins are very much forgiven so long as we seek repentance and turn away from our wrongdoing, we will be welcomed back Jehovah doesn’t want us to be weighed down with unnecessary guilt.