Thinking about the stuff we’ve done wrong can really affect our Christian lives. But as Christians, we don’t need to wallow in those moments and get stuck in guilt.

When Joseph made himself known to his brothers (who had sold him into slavery years before) they were “terrified at his presence” (GEN. 45:3). Guilt and fear reminded them of the pain they had caused their father Jacob and their brother Joseph.

Realising this, Joseph immediately told them: “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (V.5).

When we have hurt others, we may find ourselves feeling just like Joseph’s brothers. But if we have said sorry to God, we can know for sure that we have been forgiven.

The Bible tells us to be “made new in the attitude of [our] minds” (EPH. 4:23). We must focus our thinking on Jesus our Saviour, not on mistakes we have made. Because He has forgiven our sin, we can learn to ‘forget’ it and move forward.

By: Dennis DeHaan

To Pray About . . .

Lord, help me to focus on what You have done for me whenever I am feeling guilty.