In spite of our “enlightened society,” our “new morality,” and our “psychological maturity,” our era continues to be plagued by guilt (Bruce Narramore, a Christian psychologist).
Are guilt and guilt feeling interchangeable? No, they are not. A person could be guilty before God or before man without feeling guilty. Examples: Was Saul of Tarsus (who became St. Paul) guilty before God for persecuting Christians prior to his conversion to Christ? Yes, he was guilty before God (1 Timothy 1:15). But did he feel guilty for persecuting Christians? Most probably, he did not because he thought he was doing the will of God (1 Timothy 1:12-13). Another example: Are the ISIS today guilty before God for killing Christians? Yes, they are guilty. But do they feel guilty about it? Most probably not because they think they are doing it for their god, Allah. These two examples show that guilt and feeling guilty are not interchangeable or one and the same.
Guilt is an after-the-fact reality or state that may or may not be accompanied by guilt feeling like some serial killers that show no testable trace of any feelings of guilt for their heinous crimes.
On the other hand, guilt feeling is an emotional pain that usually includes anxiety in anticipation of punishment; shame with its sense of humiliation, dirtiness, and the need to hide; and grief, or depression for the diminished sense of worth, dignity, and self-esteem.
Though a source of intense emotional pain, feelings of guilt do have value. They serve as an internal alarm system that alerts us to a keener awareness that we have violated our own value system. They correct us, goading us toward more constructive behavior or attitude. But, instead of escaping, evading, or killing the pain of the guilty conscience, most of which bring further injury to human personality, the most constructive, healthy response of humankind to the pain of guilt is repentance and acceptance of the grace of forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ. (Rom. 3:23-24)
After committing adultery and murder, King David overcame his guilt and guilt feelings by praying to God: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:1-2, 10-12).
