What is guilt ? Guilt is the acceptance of responsibility. More specifically guilt is the acknowledgement of responsibility previously denied. We feel guilt when our conscious wins the battle. When we admit that we were remiss in our actions,or thoughts. It is also when we feel the most vulnerable. We can ask for forgiveness, for understanding and compassion but there is no guarantee we will receive it.
For some of us, our immediate response to guilt is to find fault in others. It is an attempt to shift the blame and therefore shift the guilt elsewhere. A victim need not feel guilt, isn't that correct ? That very thought permeates society today. That is why you hear about so many lawsuits and perceived injustices. Everyone wants to be the victim. Because, by being the victim, I can escape responsibility.
This perception is so even when the individuals own actions caused the injury. I remember being held accountable for my actions. I was reminded of my own responsibility, to act responsibly. I, alone was held to account for that. I was made to feel the guilt. In other words, acknowledge my responsibility.
An absence of guilt does not validate an action. An absence of guilt is an indicator. An absence of guilt means we have complied with our own standards of conduct. When we are guilty, the opposite is true. It is during those times that we have allowed ourselves to be influenced in a negative way. Then we try to shift that blame,that responsibility elsewhere. We are seeking a way to separate ourselves from our own actions !
I believe that we all are inherently good people. We know right from wrong. Our conscious tells us how to act. Yes, it is formed, in great part by the society in which we live. Society makes " rules " and " exceptions " but we still choose. When enough of us " choose " a certain standard that becomes the norm. That is accepted behavior. And accepted behavior is expected behavior. That is where that old familiar phrase comes in, " what can you expect ? " Actions contrary to our conscious, whether they are committed by others or by ourselves are wrong. And wrong is wrong and can not be justified. Pointing the finger of blame elsewhere is not correcting the behavior. We all share in the guilt. None of us are blameless. Extracting comfort for our conscious at the expense of others, is wrong. What we should be doing is exercising humility. Humility is the cure for guilt. Only by being humble,admitting our errors, can we change.
Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
This is the truth. Our conscious is our God. Listen closely and be guided by those thoughts. The saying is, let your conscious be your guide. Follow the guide and you will know what to expect. Guilt, an admonishment from your God ? I would say so.
For some of us, our immediate response to guilt is to find fault in others. It is an attempt to shift the blame and therefore shift the guilt elsewhere. A victim need not feel guilt, isn't that correct ? That very thought permeates society today. That is why you hear about so many lawsuits and perceived injustices. Everyone wants to be the victim. Because, by being the victim, I can escape responsibility.
This perception is so even when the individuals own actions caused the injury. I remember being held accountable for my actions. I was reminded of my own responsibility, to act responsibly. I, alone was held to account for that. I was made to feel the guilt. In other words, acknowledge my responsibility.
An absence of guilt does not validate an action. An absence of guilt is an indicator. An absence of guilt means we have complied with our own standards of conduct. When we are guilty, the opposite is true. It is during those times that we have allowed ourselves to be influenced in a negative way. Then we try to shift that blame,that responsibility elsewhere. We are seeking a way to separate ourselves from our own actions !
I believe that we all are inherently good people. We know right from wrong. Our conscious tells us how to act. Yes, it is formed, in great part by the society in which we live. Society makes " rules " and " exceptions " but we still choose. When enough of us " choose " a certain standard that becomes the norm. That is accepted behavior. And accepted behavior is expected behavior. That is where that old familiar phrase comes in, " what can you expect ? " Actions contrary to our conscious, whether they are committed by others or by ourselves are wrong. And wrong is wrong and can not be justified. Pointing the finger of blame elsewhere is not correcting the behavior. We all share in the guilt. None of us are blameless. Extracting comfort for our conscious at the expense of others, is wrong. What we should be doing is exercising humility. Humility is the cure for guilt. Only by being humble,admitting our errors, can we change.
Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
This is the truth. Our conscious is our God. Listen closely and be guided by those thoughts. The saying is, let your conscious be your guide. Follow the guide and you will know what to expect. Guilt, an admonishment from your God ? I would say so.
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