Let's Talk About Guilt

[mcgill]

That's a good question. It makes one wonder about opening another entire can of worms, about which there could be endless discussion.

[Smiling Dawn]

Originally Posted by Crafty Amanda

A very interesting read everyone I myself had never really connected guilt with spirituality. I have always felt that guilt is an emotion that those with a conscience possess. If guilt were the work of the Devil, then why is it that murderers, rapists and other criminals don't seem to have one? That just doesn't make sense to me.

I thought I best bring this question forward to this page. You are right, mcgill, in mentioning this conversation could go on and on.

Amanda...I am thinking on your reply. Might come up with an answer.

[Crafty Amanda]

Good idea, I had to go back a page when mcgill replied, and it was in reply to me LOL!

[mozelle]

Interesting, just last week, in reading, I realized that our guilt was not guilt but grief.

[Gayla]

Oh now that's another interesting thought, Mozelle. I never considered guilt as grief. Is it grief that something bad happens after we do or don't do what we feel guilty about?? (I understand if that doesn't make sense.. I'm not sure I understand what I wrote either)

Well maybe there's the guilt that those with a conscience feel...and then there's just plain evil. Having a conscience means I know what is right or wrong. Whether that knowledge comes from my religion, or upbringing, or both, I don't know. Those who do evil things either don't care, or maybe have some kind of socio-emotional disorder that makes them not be able to control impulses. Either way, I do believe there are people who are just evil. Just this evening on the news was a story about a woman who heard crying near a public restroom (in Atlanta), went to investigate, and found a little girl being held in there by a grown man. Now who could do something to hurt a child like that??

I do believe the devil likes to mess with us....but I also believe when I feel guilty I need to assess what's going on in my life. Somewhere, I'm doing something that I'm not at peace with...or not doing.

[mcgill]

I believe that the guilt issue goes back to the Book of Genesis when Adam & Eve ate the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge about which they were instructed to NOT eat. Granted, the serpent (Satan in one of his many disguises) tempted Eve who in turn told Adam to eat the fruit, but we were given a free will to choose between good and bad. They could have chosen NOT to eat the fruit. We're human; God is omnipotent for good as is the devil for evil acts

[Samantha]

I love this thread! I haven't been on here in a SUPER long time, but hopped on today (the Sabbath) for a bit of upliftment, 'cause I remembered what a great lot you are(0: Guilt is such a beautiful topic. I believe it is a gift and blessing that directs us back to peace when we have strayed. It may be uncomfortable, but much like we have physical pain as a warning for our bodies that helps prevent us from further injury or illness, so too do we have guilt for our spirits. The problem comes in when we shift guilt from something productive, to something counter productive. "Oh aren't I terrible, I will never be good enough, what is the point in even trying?" When one of my children acts out and I can tell they feel sorry for what they've done, I embrace them and tell them I love them, then we talk about how they can do better. I believe that's the same way God and Christ work. When we mess up and acknowledge the sin and our desire to do and be better, they embrace us and help us to do better. I've always been taught, and really believe, that grace is an enabling power given to us as a result of the atonement of Christ, when we are doing all we can. When the task seems to great even though we are trying our hardest, when we look to Christ, grace kicks in and gives us the strength to make the final stretch. Just as we have been told to forgive 70 times 70 (over and over and over again), so too will Heavenly Father and Christ take us into their arms if we first go to them, then accept their embrace and aid. I appreciate guilt, because it gives me peace by directing me into the beauty of the "straight way and narrow gate." (0:

[Gayla]

Maybe we can all agree that guilt can be productive or non-productive depending on what you do with it.

Just today, our Pastor was talking about the two greatest commandments to love Him and love one another. I have been feeling a litle guilty that Dh and I have not been very attentive to my MIL lately, She and I have some issues, but I have always tried to treat her with respect and caring. Most of my Parlor friends know this because I come here and unload instead of on her. Parlor friends are very good for that.. Anyway, I planned to drive to Atlanta to visit Grandson #3 after service today and I invited her to go with me. I knew that she would love to see him and it would enjoy the ride. It seems that 9 out of 10 Bible passages that come my way these days I can relate to my relationship with my MIL. Love, forgive, turn the other cheek, do unto others, and on and on. It's like He's beating me over the head to remember to obey this one commandment. When I lapse, I feel very bad about it so I try again. I appreciate that kind of guilt that makes me try harder to do His will. Ya know??? So, it's so hard for me to think of guilt as a product of Satan.

[Samantha]

Good woman for trying so hard!(0: You'll really be happy you put forth the effort some day(0: Isn't that just how it goes with the scriptures? It's hard to read them sometimes when they won't stop talking to you, lol. So personal and direct(0: Way to hear it! Hope you had a nice visit with grand 3 and dear mil!(0:

[Smiling Dawn]

to you, Gayla. God is good.
We are good for listening here.

[crftnannie3]

I believe we all have a conscious-but a lot of things happen to people which in turn makes some people handle life differently & they turn out to be very bad people. We have a choice of what we do with our conscious-which determines how we go in life. I've enjoyed this topic reading all the comments.

[amymorgan1970]

I think that the Devil will use any means necessary. Women have an easy mark because we are so emotional.

Guilt can be good and bad. If you feel guilty for something done or undone, that is something you need to think about.

But there has to be a letting go. If it is given to God. Let it go.

Isn't there enough in life to worry about? But worry is a sin also, right?

Amy

[crftnannie3]

I'm not sure that worry is a sin--but, I would say that if you dwell on it & let it consume your every moment then might need to stop & look at your situation & search for a more positive plan.