Sin, Guilt And Depression

There can be no question that guilt is one of the great destroyers of the soul. Guilt, whether imagined or real, leads individuals on a downward spiral which will destroy their relationships in life and render them worthless in the kingdom of God. An individual with a guilty conscience often becomes bitter and lashes out to those who are trying to help.

The story of Cain illustrates the progression of sin, guilt and depression. Cain began badly by giving a sinful offering (Gen 4:1-8). When God rejected the offering, Cain complicated the matter by responding wrongly to the rejection -- he got angry and depressed -- his face "fell." God, who warned against the consequences of this improper response, noted Cain's guilt, anger and depression.

God graciously said, "If you do well, will you not be accepted?" or, as one translation says, "If you do right, you will feel right." God also warned Cain that failure to repent and offer the right kind of sacrifice would cause him to fall deeper into sin.

The clutches of sin, like a wild animal, was crouching at the door and waiting to devour him. God offered hope by saying that Cain could reverse the downward spiral of sin by breaking out of his sinful pattern through repentance and a subsequent change of behavior. Cain failed to heed God's words and fell deeper into the depths of sin just as God said he would. His downward spiral led him to murder Abel.

Sin is at the root of the problem, for sin leads to guilt and depression, and sinful handling of sin further complicates matters leading to greater guilt and deeper depression. Proverbs 5:22 well describes this progression of sin, "His

overt iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin. "

Guilt often leads to other sins as well. Cain's guilt led to depression and finally murder. Judas allowed his guilt to lead him to take his own life. Herod and Herodias allowed their guilt to end in the murder of John. Guilt can cause you to hate and lash out at those who are trying to help you. However, guilt can be a good thing when it brings one to a realization of one's sins.

Either you can have yours sins forgiven by the blood of Christ, or you can allow the guilt of your sins to destroy you. Instead of excuse-making or blame-shifting, the Bible advocates that you assume your responsibility and blame, confess your sins and seek the wonderful forgiveness which can only be found in Christ Jesus Our Lord. Eric