Why do people walk around carrying extreme guilt?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Society tells young people today not to feel guilty about anything, teaching them they are not at fault for anything. Yet, people walk around carrying extreme guilt. Why? – W.G.
A: The Bible teaches that guilt is inescapable. It says that we all have broken God’s law. Everywhere today, hearts are empty. Hearts not attuned to God will become catch basins for every device of the devil. Yes, Satan is at work in our world (see Job 1:7). This is what the Bible says. Satan exists and has control over multitudes whose hearts have never been captured by Jesus Christ. The devil has hundreds of agents writing pornographic literature and producing immoral movies to pollute human minds. He has intellectuals in high positions teaching a hedonistic and permissive philosophy. He has recruited even some church leaders who are excusing promiscuity.
Therefore, guilt rests upon the entire human race. Some people may feel it more intensely than others, but the guilt is there whether in the conscious or in the subconscious realm. It must be dealt with before we can become fulfilled personalities. This is why Jesus died. He died on the cross to take our guilt away. He shed His blood to purge our dead conscience. So, guilt is not all bad – it can drive a person toward self-examination and toward God’s forgiveness.
The culture has had great success in infiltrating people’s minds. But is there hope? The answer is absolutely. The Bible is filled with testimonies of those who, by God’s grace, were victorious over Satan’s power. John Newton was a slave trader on the west coast of Africa. One day in a storm at sea, he met Jesus Christ, and it changed his life forever. Newton will always be remembered for writing the hymn “Amazing Grace.” No one is beyond the reach of the loving arms of the Savior.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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