Why do you feel guilty?

 

Welcome back to my blog. I'm glad you're here. Today, we discuss an important issue among Christians: guilt. Christians often feel guilt for many reasons:

1. Many Christians focus on their sins and moral shortcomings. This heightened awareness can lead to feelings of guilt when they perceive they have done something wrong.
2. Christians strive to live according to the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. When they fall short of these standards, they may feel guilty as a natural response to their desire to be more Christ-like.
3. The Christian community and its teachings often stress the importance of acknowledging and repenting for sins. This cultural aspect can reinforce feelings of guilt when individuals believe they have not lived up to these expectations.

 

We have considered in prior blogs that the first step to improved biblically based wellbeing is acceptance by faith of Christ’s forgiveness for our misdeeds by his death and resurrection. Then we evaluated the importance of understanding that our salvation is secure!

 

So then, why do Christians feel guilty? This appears to be a common emotion in our society and almost certainly reduces wellbeing. The exact incidence of guilt is unknown in the general population or in the church, but anecdotally this author can attest that guilt is seen in almost all young people, even if they have grown up in the church and consider themselves Christians.

 

Recently Teleios surveyed a group of attendees of a conservative Bible teaching church to determine their levels of guilt and underlying reasons. In total 70% said they felt guilty. Look below at the results! Who knew? Table 1 shows potential reasons for guilt and additional effects for those expressing feeling of guilt. Learn more at https://teleiosresearch.com/the-influence-of-guilt-on-wellbeing/.

To summarize these findings, among 70% of churchgoers in a strong evangelical church who admit to guilt, it appears to occur at three basic different levels:

• Unbelieving Individuals – These respondents have not understood the complete saving grace provided by Christ’s death, accessed by faith alone.
• Spiritually Insecure Individual – These believers have failed to understand that they are secure in their salvation and cannot become unsaved.
• Disturbed Relationship with God – This group appears to be the most common. They understand they are saved and secure but still believe they must work to satisfy God for His acceptance on a day to day basis.

 

Teleios also performed a survey on the University of Georgia campus and found that approximately 70% of evangelical Christians felt guilty although fortunately the level of guilt was mild and did not appear to affect their overall wellbeing. Learn more at https://teleiosresearch.com/religious-social-influences-wellbeing-college-students/.

 

So, what is the cure for guilt?

 

The Bible makes no provision for guilt for a believer. Search the epistles and see if you can find it!

 

The Bible indicates that we have free access to Christ, our great high priest, to help us with every need at any time! We can approach God with courage, unimpeded and unafraid (Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 4:14-16).

 

The Bible tells us that Christ died once for all our wrongdoings. For anyone who does not believe they have been forgiven, there is no alternative provision for their sin (Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:12-18).

 

Therefore, the solution to misdeeds for the Christian is to not ask for forgiveness but to acknowledge God’s merciful forgiveness that has already been granted (Colossians 1:14; Ephesians 1:7), recognize His acceptance and our access (Hebrews 10:19-22) and to become obedient, moving forward and maturing in the faith (Galatians 3:1; Galatians 5:7; Romans 6:16-23; Hebrews 5:11-6:1).

 

What a healthy outlook! As a Christian we can know that we are forgiven, sure in our relationship with God through Christ, know we have a wonderful high priest to help us in our time of need, and when we commit a wrong, we are confident of our forgiveness. Guilt is not part of the biblical Christian life!

 

In summary, Christ’s forgiveness is meant to replace feelings of guilt. The core message of Christianity is that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross offers forgiveness for sins. This grace is a gift that believers can accept, which should alleviate guilt and lead to a sense of peace and freedom.

 

Thanks again for joining me. Please come again next time as we continue vital and interesting topics on the Christian life. 

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

Biblical Speech: Part 2

 

Welcome back to my blog. Today, we continue the discussion of biblically-based speech.

 

The Bible has much to say about our speech and the power of our words. The way we speak to each other is a critical aspect of godly living. Yet controlling our speech is quite difficult and rarely discussed. With biblical input and thinking, we will find it much easier to speak in a fashion that loves people and pleases God. However, biblical speech patterns do not come naturally. In the last blog we discussed how to think about speech and then considered specific ways to better communicate with others to build a strong relationship. 

 

Today let's talk about what not to say in trying to build good relationships by which we could spread the gospel or encourage others. At the end we will examine some Teleios research regarding how millennials think about speech. 

 

What not to say! Here are some speech habits to avoid:

• Don’t just talk about yourself. Ask questions to the other person to encourage them to speak which gives you a chance to listen and learn about them and their needs. 
• Do not interrupt except in rare circumstances when you really need to move the conversation forward.
• Do not criticize the person with whom you are speaking. If you must, and there’s no other option, then do so framed with commendation and appreciation for the person’s other attributes.
• Do not criticize or talk about people not in the conversation unless you have a specific compassionate goal in creating a plan to help that person. Do not say anything about someone you would not say to their face.
• Do not complain unless you’re making a specific plan of action to help resolve the issue surrounding the complaint.
• Watch that sense of humor, especially with people that you do not know who might take offense with your joking particularly in this very sensitive age. Never make somebody else, or a group, the object of a joke.
• Do not dominate the conversation. When somebody mentions something about themselves do not turn the conversation immediately back to yourself even if you want to provide your own related experience or opinion.
• Do not make points by telling long stories. Say your point succinctly and move on. Generally, use an example story only if you must clarify your point.
• Do not repeat your statements. Say your point once and stop, allowing the other person to speak. Dead air time is okay; you don’t have to fill up every moment with speech.
• Do not exaggerate.
• Do not make sweeping or specific judgments that you cannot defend.
• Do not claim credit for other people's work or ideas. Be happy for other people's success.  
• If someone has a good idea don't respond by saying ‘right’ or ‘I knew that ‘. In contrast, give them credit for the novel thinking and compliment them. 

 

Speaking in a biblical way to other people's needs will help you, not only with your relationships in a secular sense, but also to build bridges for the gospel and the opportunity for Christ to work in somebody's life.

 

Teleios Research

 

Teleios Research recently evaluated adolescents and millennials regarding their speech. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 215 participants the majority were: female (52%), <30 years old (93%), from the United States (83%), and evangelical (68%).

 

The top 3 responses are listed below (Tables 1-5) and show a strong minority, at least on a list provided by a survey, are cognizant of the need to help others with speech and to discuss our great God with others.

In summary, biblical speech is key to a functioning, effective, loving body of Christ. That is not to say that we should talk all the time about godly things, encouraging others and expressing gratitude. However, we should endeavor to keep the environment in which we meet people controlled and generate enough profitable speech that the overall atmosphere is productive and biblically based, even if you’re discussing football and recipes at the same time.

 

Remember, our words have weight. They can heal or hurt, encourage or discourage. So, let’s choose wisely and speak life! 

 

Read more at https://teleiosresearch.com/our-christian-walk-biblical-speech/. 

 

Thank you for reading my blog, and join me again next time as we continue discussing the Christian life.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

Biblical Speech: Part 1

 

Welcome back to my blog. Today we discuss the vitally important topic of biblically based speech.

 

The way we communicate with each other is indeed a vital part of living a godly life. The Bible emphasizes the importance of our words and how they reflect our hearts. For instance, Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This highlights the power of kind and gentle speech. The Bible encourages us to use our words to uplift and support one another.

 

Controlling our speech is quite difficult and is rarely considered. As we incorporate biblical principles in our lives, we will find it much easier to speak in a fashion that loves people and pleases God. However, biblical speech patterns do not come naturally. How do we do it? Here are some hints:

 

• Consider first, speech is not about you – Have you ever noticed that most people generally talk incessantly about themselves, even at church? Unless we really need someone else to bear our burdens (Galatians 6:2), however, speech should not be about us but about the other person (Ephesians 4:29). Biblical speech should address other people’s needs. This is a huge transformation in thinking for many of us but it’s an important first step to converse with others as God would desire.

 

·       Realize you have much to give – Remember, the Bible is true and good for anyone who hears it (please see the Teleios website for scientific proof). Therefore, when you are speaking scripture and its truth, commending, being thankful, and praising God, you are using your speech as a powerful tool to help others (Colossians 1:3-8; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10).

• Think before you speak – Prior to meeting somebody, consider specific ways you can express gratitude, commendation and encouragement. Planning ahead may not seem natural to some. However, if we don’t consider encouragement ahead of time then generally it will not happen. Be specific in your commendation and thankfulness; the more precise the better.

Spiritually, plan ways to encourage a friend or colleague in Christ, whether by discussing an applicable Bible verse, teaching other people (formally or informally), sharing answered prayed or even imparting the gospel if needed.

We are all busy, but if we don’t consider positive biblical speech ahead of time, we generally will not do it. Think about it! 

 

• Several other key points:

 

• Remember the good things that God has done in the other person’s life. It is much easier to speak positively to somebody if you’re thinking favorable things about them.

 

• Pray for the people with whom you converse. It is much harder to be mad at somebody, or think negatively about them, when you’re praying for them and God’s will in their lives.

 

• Build a solid relationship – This is vital as people need to know that you genuinely like and respect them. There are many books on the subject and perhaps the best starter is the classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. You can buy a cheap used copy (or download a copy) at Amazon. It is frightfully easy to read and apply. Do it!

 

• Ask questions – If you do not know how to encourage someone, then ask them questions or search their on-line presence!

People love attention. The more questions you ask, and the deeper the follow-up questions, presented in an interested and genuine way, the more you will learn about your colleague, spouse, boss, friend or new acquaintance. They will think you are wonderful, and the extra knowledge will help you better pray for them as well as help and encourage them.

 

• Important note: You do not have to respond to the above questions, it is better that you mostly just listen initially and gather information, again showing you respect for their opinions.

 

• Build a solid spiritual relationship – This can be done by simply asking them about benign religious topics, progressing through such questions as:

 

• General questions about their life, family, and work. Follow up with more specific questions based on what they initially tell you. Show interest! Listen!

 

• General questions about their religious background, such as “Were you raised in the church and what denomination? Did you like the church? Was it a good social environment?”

 

• Go deeper; ask “what do you think about religious-based political issues such as Christian persecution? Does religion or the church help our culture?”

 

• Ask their opinion about a challenging Bible verse, or a difficult doctrine like baptism or predestination.

 

• Ask questions to help them, based on everything that you have heard them say. Perhaps inquire about their security of salvation, then you could ask them about in the applicable verse such as in Ephesians 1:13-14 or 1 Peter 1:4-5. If for example they mention they struggle in their marriage, you could direct them to Ephesians 5:20-32.

 

• Final step, biblical speech – Use the information that you have gathered about a person to consider how to help them by your speech.

 

• How can you express specific commendation or thankfulness for them in their character or actions?

 

• How can you encourage them in scripture?

 

• How can you push them on to greater Christian growth or actions?

 

In summary, biblical speech is key to a functioning, effective loving body of Christ. That is not to say that we should talk all the time about godly things, encouraging others and expressing gratitude. However, we should endeavor to keep the environment in which we meet people controllable and generate enough profitable speech that the overall atmosphere is productive and biblically based, even if you’re discussing football and recipes at the same time.

 

The Bible offers a wealth of guidance on how we should use our words. These principles can help guide us to communicate in ways that reflect love, respect, and integrity. 

 

Thank you again for joining me today. Come next time as we finish up this topic on biblical speech, what not to say, and learn how millennials assess their own speech and what the Bible says about what we should say to others. 

 

Read more at https://teleiosresearch.com/our-christian-walk-biblical-speech/. 

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.