For us as believers, false guilt can be an unbearable burden. The nagging feeling of shame can lead us to doubt the Lord's love and goodness, we may even begin to wonder if our salvation is real. However, God wants us to know relief from that burden.

First, it's helpful to identify the root of our guilt. Next, we must affirm three truths:

I'm special. Any reason we give to "prove" otherwise is a lie of Satan. Each of us is a unique creation. The Lord chose to endow us with specific faculties and abilities for His kingdom and glory (1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-12).

I am loved. Because the Heavenly Father wanted us to live with Him eternally, He sent His Son to die for our sins. We don't have to do anything to earn God's love, it's available for us to receive.

I am forgiven. If we confess our sins, the Lord forgives us. So says the Bible and we must believe it.

Since it is Satan who creates feelings of false guilt, the final step is to resist his lies. Make this statement: "In the name of the Lord Jesus, I reject these feelings of guilt. They have no biblical basis. They are false, and I refuse to accept them."

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You do not want me to suffer from false guilt. Instead, you want to free me from it and love me unconditionally. Lord, when I feel false guilt, reveal its cause so that it can be dug up and removed. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

1.    John 3:16-17 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.