5 Things Christians Feel Guilty About… That God Never Called Sin

Understanding Guilt in Christianity

The Source of Guilt

• Many Christians experience guilt over issues that are not labeled as sin in the Bible, leading to confusion and feelings of failure.

• Religious culture has imposed additional burdens and rules that are not found in scripture, causing unnecessary guilt among believers.

Setting Boundaries

• Jesus exemplified the importance of setting boundaries; he withdrew from demands on his time and energy, even from family (Mark 3:31-35).

• Galatians 6:2 emphasizes helping others, but verse 5 clarifies that individuals should also carry their own loads. Boundaries are a form of biblical stewardship.

Drinking in Moderation

• While drunkenness is condemned in scripture (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7), having a drink is not inherently sinful.

• Wine is often portrayed positively in the Bible (Psalm 104:14-15), and Jesus's first miracle involved creating wine at a wedding (John 2).

Questioning Church Leadership

• Believers have been taught to accept church teachings without scrutiny, but Acts 17:11 praises those who examined scriptures for truth.

• Respectful questioning of sermons or teachings is encouraged as part of spiritual maturity and understanding one's faith.

Financial Success and Wealth

• The belief that poverty equals godliness is unfounded; many biblical figures were wealthy and blessed by God.

• The love of money is cautioned against (1 Timothy 6:10), but financial success can be used for good purposes like supporting family and ministry.

Doubting Faith

• Doubts often trigger guilt among Christians who feel they must maintain absolute certainty. However, questioning can be a natural part of faith development.

Understanding Doubt and Guilt in Faith

The Nature of Doubt in Scripture

• Thomas doubted Jesus' resurrection, as noted in John 20:25, but was met with evidence rather than condemnation.

• John the Baptist, despite being called the greatest by Jesus (Matthew 11:11), questioned if Jesus was truly the Messiah while imprisoned.

• Biblical figures like David and Job expressed raw doubts; David's lament in Psalm 13:1 shows honest wrestling with faith, while Job questioned God's justice for 37 chapters without facing punishment.

• Habakkuk's book centers on his arguments with God regarding the prosperity of evil people, illustrating that God welcomes our questions.

Embracing Freedom from Guilt

• It's emphasized that God does not keep score or hold disappointment over personal boundaries or choices such as enjoying a glass of wine.

• Matthew 11:28-30 highlights Jesus’ invitation to those burdened to find rest, contrasting this with feelings of constant guilt and failure often associated with man-made religion.

• True faith is about genuine love for God and others rather than adhering strictly to religious opinions or appearances. Micah 6:8 outlines what God requires: justice, mercy, and humility.

The Assurance of No Condemnation

• Romans 8:1 declares there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, reinforcing the message of freedom from guilt.

• This freedom allows believers to let go of burdensome guilt and embrace their identity as children of God covered by grace.

Sharing the Message

• Encouragement is given to share this liberating message with others who may be struggling under similar burdens.

• The call to subscribe for more content focuses on returning to scriptural truths rather than adding more rules.