Guilt-ridden
But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, "Who are these with you?" Jacob said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant." Then the servants drew near, they and their children, and bowed down. Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down. And last Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down. Esau said, "What do you mean by all this company that I met?" Jacob answered, "To find favor in the sight of my lord." But Esau said, "I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself." Genesis 33:4-9 (ESV)
Living a guilt-ridden life is confusing for all involved. Guilt drives us to anxiety, depression, anger, and other adverse side effects. Guilt also has the potential to help us maintain healthy relationships. When we experience guilt, we should not try to rid ourselves of feelings; we should confess our sin to God, make things right with those we harmed, and move forward with the guilt-free life God intended us to live. If we try to ignore or bury the guilt feelings in life, we can easily be destroyed by them.
God says: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
God means what He says.
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