Here’s a theory I have- maybe it’s true for you, or maybe it’s not. I feel like a lot of people are carrying around low-grade guilt all the time- especially if you’re a church person. I’ve grown up a church person and I think what’s going on is I’m always suspecting deep down that God is disappointed with me.
And the reason is that I’m not doing enough.
But there’s always something more you can be doing.
“What about your neighbors? Have you evangelized all your neighbors? Have you given all your money to the poor? Are you spending six hours in Bible study every morning? What about all the prayer you’re not doing”
I mean come on.
I can make this long list. That’s not what God is trying to tell us. It never has been. That’s us. We’re the ones who do that.
In fact, it’s so interesting in the Bible the word accuser is used- and it’s not used for Jesus. It’s used for our enemy. There’s a spiritual enemy and he’s the one that’s making us feel this way, taking away from the fact of what Jesus has done. He’s our advocate. He loves you. He’s not impressed by you. If you pray six hours, He doesn’t go “ok, now I love you”. He already loves you.
There’s a song and I love how it goes, “Oh how I love Jesus” and it finishes with this line “because He first loved me”. He loved me first.
Seeing Yourself the Way God Sees You
At times you can feel ashamed of yourself, especially if you’re from a religious background. You may be like, “Man, God has to be so disgusted with me. I’m sick. I’m dirty. I’m terrible.”
I understand. I’ve felt that way a million times. A lot of us have or are addicted to things and we get so down on ourselves. A friend told me something that I’ll never forget. He said:
“I realized that when I feel guilty about something, I need to see myself the way God sees me, in that moment. Yes, He doesn’t like what I just did, but He looks at me and He still loves me.”
A lot of times we dwell on the thing we’ve done and we’re so down on ourselves. We’re so ashamed and can’t believe the way we are. But, we’re not seeing ourselves through truth. God sees this larger picture of you, and it’s a good one. He does love you, He’s rooting for you and pulling for you. Don’t forget that when you’re going through a guilt trip. Remind yourself, “Yes I need to change in this area. God’s working on me.”
Brant Hansen
Morning Show Host, STAR 93.3
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Thank you for reminding me how God love me.. I have so many guilt, but I always talk to God and for his forgiveness even though he knows that I am going to do it again. But He still love me.
Good morning, Brant. I just want to comment on a statement made on your show earlier this week, “If you read the bible, it will change your life.” I believe that whether or not this is true depends on how wiling somebody is to believe in and embrace the God who loves them. It probably won’t matter to those who have eyes, but will not see, or those who have ears, but will not hear. I read the bible for the first time about 5-7 years ago, when I discovered Star 93.3. I was desperately searching for something meaningful in my life; something to build my foundation on. When I opened my heart to God He filled me with his peace. My life is not perfect, but I pray to, and thank God every day for His blessings. I think THAT is the key. If people open their hearts to God He will bless them in so many ways. God bless you, and keep you.
I love this! Thank you for that reminder.