As a priest, the pain that I see most in people is the pain associated with guilt. People feel guilt about words they have said, actions they have done, thoughts they have had, or because of these things being committed by other people.
Guilt is a feeling of deep regret or remorse caused by feeling responsible for something.
True guilt is caused by sin and is God's way of calling us to repentance and restitution.
False guilt is guilt we place on ourselves because of regret for past acts, failure to live up to our own or someone else's expectations, or even causes that are unknown to us.
Here are 5 action steps to deal with guilt:
1. Pay attention to the feelings. Guilt like physical pain is a signal that something is wrong. Go to God in prayer and ask for insight and wisdom.
2. Determine the source. Are the feelings because of sin? Or are the feelings because of some issues that were out of your control?
3. Identify True Guilt. If you are feeling guilty because you have committed a sin, consider going to confession where you may receive pastoral counseling.
4. Identify False Guilt. If the guilt is self-worth related, make a list of all the things God has done for you, including paying the price for your salvation. Agree to not punish yourself for being human. Remember you have no control over other people.
5. Move On. Once you have confessed, apologized, and/or made restitution, or realized that you have no control over someone else, don't beat yourself up anymore. Leave it with God and move on.
Don't let guilt keep you down. Turn to God for wisdom and grace so that He may bless you and keep you.
In Christ,
Father John