False Guilt.or Cherished Sin?

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Today's Treasure: "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (Psalm 66:18).

I remember a time in my college years when I was deeply puzzled over ongoing feelings of "guilt" deep within me over a sin for which I had asked forgiveness many times. I could not understand why I never felt out from under the weight or burden of it. A Christian is not supposed to be beaten down by false guilt! Years later God showed me it was not false guilt I was dealing with.

The Lord pried my eyes open to 2 Corinthians 7:10: "Godly sorrow brings repentance." Suddenly I realized that I had never developed a godly sorrow over that sin. I regretted it because I knew it wasn't God's will for my life, but I had no real sorrow over it. In fact, I realized I "had cherished sin in my heart" (Ps. 66:18), hanging on to it emotionally thought I had let go of it physically. I had done the right things, but I still felt the wrong things.

Please let me be very clear: God's will was certainly for me to act in obedience immediately rather than waiting until I felt like it. However, I would not enjoy full freedom from the sin-burden until I let Him change my heart as well. When God opened my eyes to 2 Corinthians 7:10, I wept before the Lord and said, "I want to have godly sorrow for this sin so I can be free.but I don't, Lord! What can I do? Am I stuck with this forever?" His tender response was the same one He's given virtually every time I have longed for something I lacked: "Pray for it, My child." I began to pray for godly sorrow to come to me over that cherished sin. It came at first like the gentle morning tide, but ultimately it hit me like a tidal wave. I did not realize until then how different the concepts of regret and repentance are.

Does my story happen to ring a bell with you? Have you ever physically turned from a sin and ceased the activity, yet continued to cherish it to some degree in your heart? If so, we're not alone. I cannot count the times believers have come to me in the last decade and told me that they had turned from a sinful relationship, for example, but could not seem to let go of the emotional tie. Although our circumstances may be different, like us, they were still "cherishing sin in their hearts." Godly sorrow is not defined by tears or outward displays of contrition. Godly sorrow is a change of heart resulting in complete agreement with God over the matter. You may say, "But, Beth, I can't change the way I feel." I understand. I've been there too. But that's why it's called "godly sorrow." It's a work of God : He can change our hearts. The change in our feelings will come from a change in our hearts. I particularly love the NIV rendition of 1 John 3:19-20 in reference to this subject: "God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."

When we are challenged to repent of cherished sin, all God is waiting for us to do is invite Him to change our hearts and bring about the supernatural work of true repentance. He's looking for our willingness to let go of the sin, both physically and emotionally. You see, God will not let the issue rest until repentance takes up full residency in the heart. Why? Because until the heart changes, we will continue to be at an overwhelming risk of returning to sinful actions.

Dear Father, please help me discern between false guilt and the conviction the Holy Spirit brings because of cherished sin. I desire your forgiveness and am willing to let go of my sin physically and emotionally. Please change my heart and mind and let my attitude bring honor to you. In the strong name of Jesus, Amen.

Adapted from Praying God's Word , by Beth Moore, pages 172-174. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2000. Used by permission.