"I believe that guilt is some of our heaviest baggage. It weighs us down even more than bad luck, sorrows or worries, because there's always the sting of self-reproach connected with it, because it's something that we could help." -- Walter Trobisch.
Guilt sneaks up on us suddenly and then accuses us. It smothers our souls like a dense, noxious fog. We can't breathe. We feel trapped. Our load gets heavier and heavier.
There is only one way to get rid of this heavy load and to chase the suffocating fog away. It is the way of forgiveness. Forgiveness comes from God but it flows in all directions. When we're guilty we must ask for forgiveness: "I'm guilty. I ask for your forgiveness." When others offend us and ask for our forgiveness we must be ready to offer it. It's not easy to forgive completely from the heart. But this kind of forgiveness is necessary to complete the cycle of forgiveness: "Forgive us our trespasses as we have forgiven those who trespass against us."
Jesus not only offers us life, he is Life. And he not only offers us forgiveness, he is Forgiveness. Living in forgiveness allows us to leave our baggage behind. We don't have to pull our heavy load of guilt around any longer. Leave your baggage behind! Forgive. Accept forgiveness. Live in forgiveness. Ask for forgiveness when you offend. Offer forgiveness when you're offended. Forgive yourself on the basis of Papa-God's forgiveness.
Live free.
"May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. Jesus was the first to conquer death, and his is the ruler of all earthly kings. Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins. He lets us rule as kings and serve God his Father as priests. To him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen." (Revelation 1:5-6)
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