The negative influence of condemnation/guilt seeks to entangle us in feelings of unworthiness and extreme distance from the heart of our loving heavenly Father. Guilt functions in our conscience, as God designed it to push us to reconciliation with Him. Feelings of conviction are from the Lord, as they produce feelings of godly sorrow, leading to repentance with hope for heart transformation. However, condemnation/guilt distorts the truth of the Gospel, which convicts us of sin and leads to a desire and relationship of righteousness. Conviction is from the Holy Spirit and leads to change and righteousness as it comes with hope. Condemnation and guilt are from the enemy and always result in a lack of forgiveness, shame, self-loathing, and the oppression of our identity in Christ. When we fall prey to condemnation/guilt, we will always struggle to accept God’s truth, forgiveness, and the abundance of His grace.
Freedom from the negative influence of condemnation/guilt happens when we renounce the power of false guilt and believe the truth that God has provided us with new life, hope, and the power to change. The power of the Holy Spirit in our lives silences the negative influence of condemnation/guilt and empowers the foundation of God’s forgiveness and eradication of past mistakes. What Jesus did on the cross provides us peace and assurance toward true freedom and emotional wholeness. We have not been designed to carry condemnation/guilt but to walk in the light of God’s love and grace.
Questions to Ask:
Describe the feelings/situation/memories you feel condemned or guilty about.
When did this memory happen?
How have you chosen to cope with the feelings of condemnation (guilt) that you are feeling?
How do you view yourself (value) as a person? Does your lens of identity affect the feelings of condemnation (guilt) you are having?
Do you recall experiencing emotional of condemnation (guilt) from your childhood?
How were you disciplined when you made a mistake as a child?
Do you have any unconfessed sin (negative sinful influences) that need to be shared with the Lord, that could possibly cause feelings of condemnation (guilt)?
Are there any lies you believe about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by condemnation/guilt?
Connected Influences: Accusation, blame, judgment, legalism, false doctrine, religious control.
Scriptural Truth:
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” (Psalm 32:1-5)
“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. 8 Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”(Micah 7:7-8)
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
“Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:20)
How to Pray for Breakthrough from Condemnation/Guilt:
You may pray aloud, using each step below:
REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"
RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."
"Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”
"Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"
REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”
Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).
RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"
What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)
You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.
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