Genuine guilt is redemptive. It leads to repentance and forgiveness. It causes us to grieve unspeakably, but it does not abandon us to die in the dark night of our sin. After Peter denied Jesus three times he was overwhelmed with guilt. He went out into the night and wept bitterly. Yet he did not allow those feelings to destroy him. Instead of focusing on his sinful failures and the accompanying shame, he focused on the finished work of Christ. As a result he experienced forgiveness and a life free from condemnation and so can you!
“… there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Father God, help me to accept Your forgiveness and release my guilt. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.