Good guilt vs. bad guilt: Difference between revisions

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The enemy "masquerades as an angel of light" [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/2corinthians/2corinthians11.htm#v14 (2 Cor 11:14).] The "angel of light" quotes scripture against us to make us feel condemned, worthless, unloved, and no good.  [[Perfectionism]] inspired by the "angel of light" leads us away from God rather than toward Him.
The enemy "masquerades as an angel of light" [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/2corinthians/2corinthians11.htm#v14 (2 Cor 11:14).] The "angel of light" quotes scripture against us to make us feel condemned, worthless, unloved, and no good.  [[Perfectionism]] inspired by the "angel of light" leads us away from God rather than toward Him.
If we recognize that we are being troubled by "bad guilt," the remedy is to ''act against'' (Latin: ''agere contra'') those feelings by making acts of faith, hope, and love.


[[Category:Discernment of Spirits]]
[[Category:Discernment of Spirits]]
[[Category:Spirituality]]
[[Category:Spirituality]]

Revision as of 04:00, 8 January 2011

Fear is useless: "Do not be afraid; just have faith" (Mk 5:36).

"Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more" (Rom 5:20).

Good guilt Bad guilt
Objective Subjective
Cleanses Shames
Sets us free Motivates bad behavior
Intensifies gratitude Obscures God's goodness
Motivates change Paralyzes
Centered on God and neighbor Self-centered
Optimistic: diagnosis and prescription Despairing: no way out
Clarifies what is wrong with us Condemns us
Proportionate to wrongdoing (rational) Disproportionate--"scruples" (irrational)
A gift of the Holy Spirit A work of the "angel of light"
Passes away Will not depart
Accepts consequences Fears punishment

The enemy "masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Cor 11:14). The "angel of light" quotes scripture against us to make us feel condemned, worthless, unloved, and no good. Perfectionism inspired by the "angel of light" leads us away from God rather than toward Him.

If we recognize that we are being troubled by "bad guilt," the remedy is to act against (Latin: agere contra) those feelings by making acts of faith, hope, and love.