#TheDailyDose (Psalm 51)
The difference between cats and dogs
Dogs show guilt in their face
Cats cause you to feel guilt
A lot of people carry a heavy burden of guilt and shame –it can cripple us as we seek to serve God. It can cripple churches too
What is guilt?
Often when we talk about guilt we really mean subjective guilt –this is to do with how we feel. I feel/ believe I am guilty I have done wrong. I have failed to meet personal expectations or the perceived expectations of others
This is closely aligned with shame
Shame is …. a deep emotion connected with humiliation, rejection and pain –a sense of being exposed, found out for who I really am and what I’m really like
The problem with false guilt – subjective guilt and shame may be false
Wrong Expectations and accusations of others or myself
Blame and accusation unfairly attributed – e.g. the abuse victim
Two issues
Crushed when it’s not my fault
Distraction from real guilt … e.g apologising for historic events is easier than dealing with what happens now.
Real guilt
David’s story – Bathshebah
A recognition of guilt before God (Psalm 51:3-4)
The Solution to guilt and shame
What God is like
Unfailing love & compassion (Psalm 51:1)
Truth (Psalm 51:6)
Saving (Psalm 51:14)
What David asks for
Mercy and forgiveness (v1)
Cleansing (v 2, v 7)
Healing, restoration, new creation (v 10-11)
Faithroots 