Guilt

Some kids struggle with guilt more than we realize. They may feel bad after making a wrong choice, hurting someone or disobeying. Other kids carry guilt over things they cannot control or feel like they are always messing up. Over time, guilt can make kids feel discouraged or afraid that God is disappointed in them.

In this week’s Brite lesson, kids will hear the story of Jonah and learn about the grace God gives when we fail. Jonah ran from God and made selfish choices, but God did not stop loving him or pursuing him. God continued to show Jonah mercy every step of the way.

As you talk with your kid this week, remind them that guilt is meant to lead us back to God, not push us away from Him. When we sin, we can confess honestly, receive God’s forgiveness and trust His grace. We do not have to earn God’s love by being perfect. God gives grace because that is who He is.

Here’s how we discussed this topic and how you can discuss it at home: 

Discuss: Have you ever felt guilty for doing something wrong?

Discuss: How can guilt be good? How can guilt be bad?

Discuss: What does the Bible have to say about that?

Say: Some people struggle with feeling guilty even after they’ve been forgiven. Some people struggle with guilt for things that aren’t even their fault. God gave us the feeling of guilt to help us realize we should turn to Him and away from our sin. Once we are forgiven, we don’t have to feel guilty anymore. Romans 8:1 says: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Once Jesus forgives us, we are no longer punished. There may be consequences for what we did, but God isn’t mad at us for what we did. God forgives us and gives us a new start. God didn’t create us to live in guilt. He sent Jesus so that we could live free of guilt, forgiven by Him.