Guilt

Each of us has experienced guilt at one time or another. There is nothing wrong with that-knowing that we feel remorse for an act we have done means we have a conscience. However, if we let that guilt eat at us to the point it controls our every day life, it is no longer a good thing. It's important to know how far to go with our feelings of guilt and for us to control it rather than letting it control us.

Some people feel such a sense of guilt over something they have done that they almost bow down to the person against whom they have committed a wrong. This type of guilt is unhealthy because it leads to feelings of a lack of self-worth, which in turn makes us slaves to those we have hurt in some way. We must have enough self-worth to be able to admit we have done wrong, accept forgiveness but not dwell of things we have done in the past.

Ongoing guilt seems to be a common thing when one has been caught cheating on a spouse or significant other. Even if they have not been caught, they often begin to feel remorseful and begin doing things they would not ordinarily do. Unfortunately such feelings of guilt tend to make the other person suspicious of your actions. Too much guilt can be just as bad as not having any remorse for your actions-find a middle ground and learn to live within that parameter.

Always remember that guilt whether directed toward another person or a sin against God must be controlled. It should be a short-lived thing that you feel right after you commit the wrong but not days, weeks, or months afterwards. There is no need to ask for or expect forgiveness for the same wrong more than once.