Shame and Guilt (Part 2 of 2)

Like a faulty check engine light that comes on prematurely, some consciences trigger signals of guilt when they shouldn’t be triggered. This is called false guilt. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Ted Witzig Jr explains the difference and how to detect if that check engine light is real or not.

• True guilt is grounded in truth.
• False guilt is grounded in feelings.
• True guilt motivates us to deal with sin and move forward.
• False guilt causes us to stall and spin in confession.
• True guilt listens to scriptural objectivity.
• False guilt listens to anxiety and depression.

How to deal with false guilt: A person dealing with false guilt typically hold themselves to standards they would not impose on others. They may benefit from getting perspective and counsel from other people. They should focus on moving forward and will need to elevate Christ’s promises to them and not allow their feelings to undermine the truth.