Should a Christian feel guilty for sin? I’ve noticed a tendency in myself and others to want to atone for sin (especially ongoing struggles or addictions) by feeling guilty or depressed for a few days. Not all feelings of guilt are wrong. But, feeling bad about yourself does nothing to make things right with God. Guilt is only helpful if it leads you to repentance.
When Guilt is Needed
In 1 Corinthians, Paul wrote to the church about an alarming issue: a man was having sex with his father’s wife (likely his stepmother). Gross! But, the issue didn’t end with the two of them. The rest of the church was cheering them on. I imagine they congratulated themselves for receiving God’s great grace which allowed them to sin without consequence. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul made it clear this was not the right attitude for sin.
1 Corinthians 5:1-2 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among [non-believers], for a man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
Paul was astounded that such a horrible sin was occurring in a Christian church. Even non-believers know sleeping with your stepmom is creepy. In effect, he was asking the church why they didn’t feel guilty. Instead, he said they should exercise church discipline (out of loving concern) to make it clear this was not acceptable activity for someone who calls themselves a Christian.
1 Corinthians 5:11-13 I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
So, Paul sent the letter and waited. Would the church heed his warning? Would they repent of their church-wide error? We find the answer in Paul’s next letter.
When Guilt Should Stop
In 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote with a tone of relief. Since the man had turned from his sin, Paul emphasized that feelings of guilt were no longer necessary. They might even cause harm.
2 Corinthians 2:7 turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
Though Paul had originally expected and desired the church to feel guilt for supporting ongoing sin, the guilt didn’t need to continue once there was (true) repentance. The same is true for our sins today. If you’ve turned from your sin, why should you feel guilty? Jesus’ blood covers the sins in our past. You only need to feel guilty if you plan on doing it again!
The Reason for Guilt
Later in the letter, Paul explained the reason for his prior tone of warning. He intentionally prompted them towards feelings of guilt in order to drive them to repentance.
2 Corinthians 7:8-10 For even if I made you grieve with my letter, […] I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. […] For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
Guilt is to sin as pain is to injury. You feel pain as your body’s way of telling you to stop burning your hand on a hot stove. You feel guilt as your spirit’s way of telling you to stop destroying your relationship with God through sin.
What to do with Guilt
So, how should someone channel their guilty feelings into a positive good? Jesus gives the answer in the Sermon on the Mount: change your circumstances (even drastically) to avoid the sin next time. That’s the only positive good that can come from a guilty conscience.
Matthew 5:28-29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Jesus’ words are not subtle. If you have sin in your life, you must do whatever it takes to stop. If Jesus didn’t even draw the limit at loss of limb, I’d better not stop at anything less while trying to overcome an ongoing sinful habit.
Specifics
The following sections aren’t designed to make you feel guilty. Rather, if you already feel guilty, that means it’s time to take action. Here are some steps to take, based on personal experiences of myself and people I love.
Pornography: If you struggle with pornography, it’s time to tell a fellow Christian. It’s time to ask them to add passcode protected restrictions to all your devices, delete tempting applications (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, …), and add parental restrictions or a locked-down browser. Ask them to check-in with you at least every week to confess your actions and thoughts. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to go off-the-grid for a while. Hand over your internet-connected electronics. That’s not an optional suggestion. Why do you think Jesus specifically mentioned removing eyes and hands in the verses following His explanation of lust (Matthew 5:27-30)? From Jesus’ sermon, would you rather lose your smartphone, your eyes, or your soul?
Alcohol: If you’re unsure whether you overuse with alcohol, the answer is yes. Tell a brother or sister at church and then get plugged into a local meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery. In most cities, there are more than enough meetings for you to have wholesome accountability in every waking moment. As they say: “the steps work, if you work them!” Don’t linger. Let your guilt guide you to repentance.
Overeating: Alcohol and drugs aren’t the only forms of substance abuse. If you struggle with overeating, there are resources available. Make the change. You’ll be glad you did.
Other: No matter your struggle, you are not alone. Find help. There’s a Twelve Step group for every issue you can imagine and there are Christians around the world to support you in God’s Word. Don’t ignore your guilt. Take your hand off the stove. It’s time to change!