Pastor's Jack's thoughts

PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS   01/13/2008   GUILT AND FORGIVENESS    Psalm 32:5   Dictionary definition of the word 'guilt':   "The state of having done a wrong or committed an offence, legal or ethical." (Also,  for Christians, a spiritual offence).   #2 definition, The feeling of pain from having done something wrong."    So guilt brings pain and can be destructive. What do we need to do when this happens? We need to follow the example of David.  After his great sin with Bathsheba, King David prayed, "Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' and You forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:5   Like David, we need to realize that our sin is against the Lord. We need to confess our sins to the Lord and ask His forgiveness.  But, we also need to know that God has forgiven us of the guilt of our sin too. We don't need to feel guilty over past sins, when we have confessed them to the Lord. Apostle John wrote, "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and purify us from all of our unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) Guilt is forgiven by confession through prayer and trust in God for His purification.   A good formula for dealing with sin is: Acknowledge sin. Confess that sin to God. Make restitution (when applicable). Live with joy in God's forgiveness.   Have a good week!! Pastor Jack   Jack L. Martin