As a Christian is it right to feel guilt? If you’ve done something wrong, it seems to me you should feel guilt. That is until you have done what you can to put it right and, of course, repented. 

However, what about things in the past for which you have repented and been forgiven by the Lord? Should you still feel guilt then?

This is something I have considered quite deeply. If you are like me, you may often remember all of the things you have done wrong in the past, and all of the people you may have hurt. 

You will no doubt also recall all of the things that others have done to you that have hurt you.

I am reminded of Paul who said in 1 Timothy 1:15, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” So, he still remembered his sin, but also that Jesus came to forgive sinners.

David said in Psalm 51:3, “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” He said it was ever before him, at least at that time.

I wonder how Peter felt when he denied Christ three times. Church history has it that when Peter was crucified, he said, “I am not worthy to be crucified the same way as Jesus,” so he was crucified upside down. It seems he carried with him a sense of unworthiness.

So, what is the right attitude to have about our past failures? Somehow, I don’t believe that guilt is the correct response. 

Our feeling of unworthiness should keep us humble, promote a deeper sense of gratitude for all that Jesus has saved us from, and allow us to recognise God’s amazing grace.

There is no room for self-righteousness and no place for unforgiveness of others when we realise how much God has forgiven us. 

Finally, we must forgive ourselves with the forgiveness that has been bestowed on us. After all, who have we sinned against? God. If he has forgiven us, we have no right to beat ourselves up.

The devil is the one who seeks to condemn us, and when we listen to his lies it is debilitating and paralyses our spiritual growth.

Yes, remember your sins, but only as a means of magnifying the goodness of God’s forgiveness in our lives, and as a way of increasing our gratitude and forgiveness of others.