Guilt, A Blessing, A Curse

We have many instincts, and they are all designed to assist us in this experience called life. However, when a specific instinct is used for its given purpose, if that impulse is not released it then builds toxins poisonous to the human body. As an example, when we hunger or thirst, once those needs are satisfied it is healthy to release these instincts. On a more extreme level, when we experience survival instincts, those that we call “fight or flight,” it is best we release them when the threat is over so we do not sustain a heightened level of energy beyond our ability to constructively use it. One instinct, guilt, is unique to the human race. Feelings of guilt can serve a very constructive purpose but when held on to for long periods they may well be the greatest cause of disease in humankind. Quite simply, guilt is a knowing we have acted out of accord with our highest ideals; it is a call to action. However, held on to for long periods such remorse will ultimately wrack an otherwise healthy body.

Our Lord would not have blessed us with such a useful emotion if it had no redemptive qualities. Further, our God does not so bless us that we should judge ourselves as inadequate. Nor does the creator, the keeper of grace, condemn us because we are imperfect. We are on a voyage toward perfection, and our precious Lord has given us all that we need to find our way. Guilt is simply one of those instincts with which we have been endowed, and when held on to for too long we transform it from a blessing into a curse. The fact that we are still on that voyage godward, should indicate there is more to experience before our journey is complete. In all of creation, only we feel guilt, only we hold on to shame, and only we turn a medicine into a poison.

The fact that we are imperfect should not cause us shame. We are divine in nature, works in progress, and our imperfections are the evidence of our individuality. We need either to deal with the cause of our feelings of guilt, and let them go, or simply release them to take up the battle again another day. Time and space exist so that we may meet life incrementally, and measure the distance between events. We are not inadequate because we meet the challenges in life tomorrow; what else is tomorrow for?

What have we done that the Lord of Grace has not first allowed for His treasures to do? The very fact that we can still feel guilt is the blessing, the promise that radiates from God’s tender, loving-kindness. The German philosopher, Martin Buber, once wrote, “If you would sin, then sin boldly.” If we would live then let us live boldly. May we let go of those feelings brought on by guilt and instead use them to meet our day with new zeal. Let us use the blessing to thank our Lord for this opportunity to express more of our divine nature in the earth.  And… once again let us remember, let us resolve; life is not a problem to be solved but an adventure to be lived.