Forgiven

Hebrews 12:1-2

So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.

When the devil tries to distract you by making you feel guilty and ashamed remember the shame that Jesus bore on the cross. Then tell him your shame has already been paid for by the blood of Jesus and turn from any sinful ways that trip you up. Often the devil tries to get us into the guilt and shame mode to make us think there is no point in striving to live our lives for God. He doesn't have to do it blatantly either. He will just plant a seed, a little nagging thought, a memory of a former transgression. That's when you need to remind him that Jesus says "not guilty."