Is GUILT the work of God?

[Raphael]

Is GUILT identifiable to spiritual conviction? Is GUILT an acceptable Christian practice? Is GUILT the work of God?

Following is the first definition of guilt and shame from Microsoft Word's North American Dictionary:

guilt [gilt]

1. awareness of wrongdoing

an awareness of having done wrong or committed a crime, accompanied by feelings of shame and regret

shame [shaym]

1. negative emotion

a negative emotion that combines feelings of dishonor, unworthiness, and embarrassment

Love won,

Raphael

[Gerr]

Without the conviction of guilt, there would be no conviction for repentance or need to change.

Gerry

[Taylor]

There is guilt that the devil imposes on us and guilt that the H.S. gives us to convict us of sin. Here is the difference as I understand it.

Let's say you've done something wrong...here is the difference in the devil's response versus the H.S. response.

"Wow there you go again! Can't you ever get it right? How many times do you have to keep falling in the same stupid trap before wake up and realize you keep blowing it? You are never going to learn! I wonder how much damage you did this time? Will anyone find out? You are going to continue to blow it so you might as well give up...your history fortells your future performance." That of course would be from the devil. It is discouraging, attacking, sarcastic, and not helpful in any way.

"Oh my, are you ok? I am so sorry you're in that mess! I would love to help you! You and I can conquere this issue. Yes, you did wrong but I will help you face the music and never leave your side. Yes I know you've fallen in this area before but victory is possible and I will be here with you every step of the way. I believe in you! And should you fall again, I will be here to help you pick up, and turn it into a growing experience. You are my precious child and I can't wait to spend eternity with you!" ...from God or the H.S.

[olger]

It's a good question.

There are two kinds of guilt: False and genuine. It helps to understand the difference between them.

oG

[pacunurse30]

Good responses. My hubby and I discuss this quite a bit. I don't think guilt is of God. Guilt always leaves the person feeling bad about themselves, but it doesn't necessarily prompt a change. Conviction on the other hand motivates a person to change.

[Robert]

John 16:7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [not the condemner] shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 “And He [the Holy Spirit], when He comes, will convict [not condemn] the world [the human race] concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you no longer behold Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

[LifeHiscost]

I don't think guilt is of God. Guilt always leaves the person feeling bad about themselves, but it doesn't necessarily prompt a change.

I believe guilt to be the spiritual pain that occurs when one receives the just rewards of their improper behaviour as defined by identifying what God instructs as necessary.

If a person is guilty of wrongdoing, the bad feeling is definitely allowed of God for the purpose of leading one to repentance. OTOH, just as Pharoah wouldn't allow his feelings of guilt move him toward compassion, he refused the gift of repentance and made his pain in loss, bring down the whole nation of Egypt.

There is false pain caused by believing a falsehood which brings pain to one's self as well as others. This might be compared to the phantom pain experienced by one who loses a limb and still feels pain from that which was severed. That could be compared to pain brought on solely by the prince of darkness. It has no good purpose.

I recommend reading the book, "The gift of Pain", by Paul Brand if you wish to find insight into how God uses pain for the benefit of His children on earth. This, of course, would be keeping in mind that guilt could be defined as spiritual pain.

"It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

Heb 10:31-36 NLT

Regards!

[Raphael]

Thank you Gery Cabalo, Taylor, Olger, Pacunurse30, Robert and LifeHiscost. If indeed there is this special termed Guilt from God aside from the work of the darkness, I do so wish that it had a label of its own so that Mr. Darkie may have no opportunities of implying notions that his work is of God.

But apart from above, if simply following our dictionary's definition of Guilt, it simply concludes that it is the work of the darkness.

I remember reading here or somewhere on how absolutely impossible, God is capable of committing sin. Though sin abounds everywhere around us, it is concluded that it is the work of Satan and not of God. Now, the interesting arguement is, due to God's permission of sin, does it then bring along God's sanction upon it. In other words, if it is God santioned then it may very well be of God's doing Himself. But ofcourse we have heard that He simply allows... not really certain if allowing is equivalent to santioning..

It is also interesting to note Adam and Eve's initial responses after their sin. They hid and God had to go through that unduely dialoge of asking where they were. Were their responses of fear and or shame, etc, simply by sin's nature or had it to do with Satan and Co.'s direct meddling? Or perhaps one may even go to an extent of saying that all this negative emotions are God's work?

Well, maybe we can change the question and ask if Guilt's nature is constructive. If one may claim guilt to be constructive in its nature then I must say that it must of God. (but please don't go beyond by stating sin, wars, death, etc has its constructiveness, it may become too mind boggling..)

Everyone has his or her share of guilt and I can say for myself that guilt is the violence of emotions as one may compare it to violence in the physical world. It is certainly unhealthy.

I believe everyone knows the story of how Christ upbraideth not Peter for that night of betrayal. Christ must have been setting an example on how God works in contrast to the adversary.

Anyway, apart from the convincing alibi that fear is a necessary tool in controlling the (human) masses (which I have to agree upon), guilt is for sure, not of heaven or perfection origin, I must say..

Season's Greetings & a Happy New Year 2008

Raphael

[olger]

Genuine guilt is a consequence of transgression of the Laws of God. "Adam where are you?" Real guilt.

False guilt is an extension of negative thinking.

The conversation between Peter & Jesus on the beach is revealing. Why? Because Peter's heart was locked at the time. Jesus kept asking Peter if he sacrifically loved Him (agape), and all Peter could say was "I like you" (phileo).

I don't know when it happened, but somewhere between the beach this day and Pentecost, Peter's heart was opened. I suspect that it had to do with the bestowal of the Holy Spirit .

That's what we need. Only the Spirit of God can unlock your heart & mine. The Spirit of God can also help us distinguish between between real & false guilt.

That's good news this morning,

oG

[LifeHiscost]

That's what we need. Only the Spirit of God can unlock your heart & mine. The Spirit of God can also help us distinguish between between real & false guilt.

That's good news this morning,

oG

Amen! And if we find ourself lacking in one or another gift of the Spirit, all we need do is ask for it.

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

Luke 11:13 KJV

"Keep on asking and it will be given you For everyone who keeps on asking receives" Matthew 7:6-8 AMP

Regards!