ManageYourEmotionsBook8.5x5.5_RevJULY.indd

can’t be fully met, and of course they can’t, false guilt inevitably ensues. “False guilt makes a person restless, continually looking for a rule to be kept, a scruple to observe, an expectation to be fulfilled, or a way to be an asset to a person or group.” 91 What a tragedy it is that our faith, which is designed to release and empower, actually restricts and confines. I remember as a kid of 10 or 11, when a friend and I were fishing in a boat in the middle of his grandparents’ pond.We decid- ed, just for fun, to abandon ship and swim for shore.That turned out to be a very bad idea, since the long pants I had on made swimming very difficult. For a brief moment, I panicked, thinking I wasn’t going to make it. Fortunately, I was in three feet of water. Living with a load of self-induced guilt is like swimming in jeans. Spiritual- ly, emotionally, and perhaps physically hindered, you’re not able to function at a healthy level. Of course, Satan himself is the ultimate source of all bad guilt, whether it’s self-inflicted or driven by others. “Guilt is one of Satan’s biggest weapons against us. It tears us down, it makes us feel dirty, unworthy, and robs us of our faith and confidence in Jesus Christ.” 92 Guilt to Satan is like blood in the water to a shark. Given the opportunity, he will close in and mount an attack. If he can’t de- stroy you, he’ll settle for debilitation by way of a stronghold.As Paul writes, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Corinthians 10:4, KJV).The word for stronghold means fortress, which says the enemy will do anything he can by way of spiritual warfare. He will build a barrier around your guilt to make sure you can’t let it go. He knows he can’t take away your salvation but will do anything in his power to hinder your testimony and steal your joy – guilt being one of his favorite weapons. Once the source has been discovered, you’re in a position to implement a solution. God in no way intends for you to limp

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