Living with guilt

[Hannah2000]

I've been a Christian all my life, although there was a few years when I strayed from the path I'm back now. When I was younger I don't think I really understood what it meant to be Christian but now I'm older I'm learning more and more about how to be a Christian but it's causing me so much worry sometimes because I think about whether or not something I've done was a sin, I seek out help from people who I think are more knowledgeable on the subject than me such as a Priest, this website (recently) or another Christian website that allows you to ask questions. I've heard that we are supposed to rejoice at God's saving us and praise him but I get so worried about whether or not I have sinned that I don't think I'm as happy as I should be.

Now I know we can't be perfect, no one can be sin free (except Jesus & God) I feel conflicted because there's people who are saying don't sin, don't do this, don't do that, so I sorry when I do do that or if I have sinned. But then there's also people saying that we can never be sin free. So you have to stop trying to sin but you'll never succeed.

I want to be able to feel happy more instead of worrying about whether or not I have committed a sin. Some of the things I'm unsure about are quite superficial like clothes, jewellery and make up, I wonder how much is too much or how revealing is too revealing? Obviously I know things like lying, upsetting people ect are sins, that's obviously morally wrong but some other issues aren't as black and white which is why I get worried. I think I'm a good person, or at least better than I was, I try to be more selfless but I worry about things like wearing earrings and whether or not that is a sin.

 

[Sarah G van G]

I struggled so much with these things when I was young. Should I wear make up? Cover my hair? What about trousers? Jewellery?

Nowadays I choose my clothing dependant on how it can best serve Jesus. If I need to go out on my bicycle then it makes sense to wear trousers (seriously never cycle in a long, flowing skirt!). If I am going to a family social event I can wear something that reflects the good work Jesus has done in my life to change me. If I am working on the land I can best wear overalls. Modesty is important.
Jesus calls us to serve in different ways. Some women seem to be called to serve Jesus by bringing others to Christ through their beauty, wit and charm. I'm called to do very practical work for the Lord

Beware of scrupulosity!

Keep faithful to Jesus through prayer and all of these wrinkles will iron themselves out.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18English Standard Version (ESV)

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 

[devin553344]

Thanks for your testimony. I believe God forgave me of my past, and I still feel guilty of my past sins. A lot is from before I was converted to Jesus the Christ. I think that guilt may be the serpent, he is the accusers of our brethren. God forgives and the accuser does not. I think the intent of the serpent is to stop is from serving our Lord, Jesus the Christ. So I just ignore it and pray about it. God Bless

 

[faroukfarouk]

I've been a Christian all my life, although there was a few years when I strayed from the path I'm back now. When I was younger I don't think I really understood what it meant to be Christian but now I'm older I'm learning more and more about how to be a Christian but it's causing me so much worry sometimes because I think about whether or not something I've done was a sin, I seek out help from people who I think are more knowledgeable on the subject than me such as a Priest, this website (recently) or another Christian website that allows you to ask questions. I've heard that we are supposed to rejoice at God's saving us and praise him but I get so worried about whether or not I have sinned that I don't think I'm as happy as I should be.

Now I know we can't be perfect, no one can be sin free (except Jesus & God) I feel conflicted because there's people who are saying don't sin, don't do this, don't do that, so I sorry when I do do that or if I have sinned. But then there's also people saying that we can never be sin free. So you have to stop trying to sin but you'll never succeed.

I want to be able to feel happy more instead of worrying about whether or not I have committed a sin. Some of the things I'm unsure about are quite superficial like clothes, jewellery and make up, I wonder how much is too much or how revealing is too revealing? Obviously I know things like lying, upsetting people ect are sins, that's obviously morally wrong but some other issues aren't as black and white which is why I get worried. I think I'm a good person, or at least better than I was, I try to be more selfless but I worry about things like wearing earrings and whether or not that is a sin.

Hi; a good passage to read is John 3.1-16. Great, searching reading!