Nothing
creates despair like guilt. Guilt is a negative, uncomfortable feeling designed
to move a person toward action. The purpose of guilt is to inform the
conscience that an unacceptable violation of values has occurred and that appropriate
action needs to take place. Choosing to make amends or apologize for wrong
behavior may be avoided or ignored.
To ignore guilt's purpose is to invite
despair. A healthy attitude can't co-exist with unresolved guilt and damaged integrity.
Healthy integrity motivates us to do what is right regardless of embarrassment
or humiliation. To act with self- respect and integrity can be painful, but bearable,
when measured against the penalty of unresolved guilt.
When Zacchaeus, a tax collector, met Jesus, he
felt convicted of his sinful behavior. Listen as he speaks to Jesus about his
desire for reconciliation. "Lord, here and now I give half of my
possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will
pay back four times that amount." His choice absolved his guilt and healed
his wounded integrity.
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