Good guilt vs. bad guilt
Fear is useless; what is needed is trust: "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.