How many people live with guilt. They feel guilty for things they have done. They have lied, cheated, stolen, fornicated, been unfaithful in their marriages, flew into fits of rage, gossiped, and other wicked things. I some cases these things were not one time acts. They have been habitual behavior. With each one the guilt increases. The shame intensifies. The regret lingers. The condemnation grows.
People also feel guilty for the good things they should have done but did not do. Guilt can also haunt people for being more successful than others. People go to many extremes trying to relieve their guilt. Some go to therapy. Some read books or articles.Others do good deeds or give to charitable causes all in an effort to remove guilt.
How many people live without any peace. Like wild horses running out of control so do people's thoughts. They live with panic attacks, anxiety, and fear. They constantly play what if scenarios in their mind. They contemplate their problems adding more and more stress to already stressful situations. They don to sleep well.
If this continues people will go to extremes in search for peace. They often experiment with alcohol, drugs, and sex to dull the senses in passing pleasures even if it only brings temporary peace. Many times poor choices at this point only lead to more guilt. It is a never ending cycle.
Yet, in Jesus there is both grace and peace. Jesus paid our ransom when sin held us hostage. He set us free. Let these truths really sink in. Ephesians 1:7 (NASB)
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
The saved have been covered in lavish grace. Therefore we no longer have to carry guilt. We are free and forgiven.
We also have bene given peace from Jesus. No matter what storms rage around you His peace can comfort you. Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)
6 Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
To have the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds day in and day out like a sentinel would bring order to the internal chaos many live with daily.
There it is. Grace and peace offered through Jesus. Many people try everything under the sun to relieve their guilt and in vain to find peace when Jesus offers both freely. I never want to take grace and peace for granted. I want to communicate those truths to people I come in contact with all around me. Grace and peace make a world of difference.
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