 Have you ever done something wrong, only to realize that… ◦ Instead of owning up to your deeds, you sought to justify your actions? ◦ You sought to move on from the experience, yet remain eaten up with feelings of guilt and shame?

 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, Romans 3:23 (NKJV)  “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10 (NKJV)  2 Samuel 12:9-14: some sins have more lasting consequences, even when repented of.

 Acknowledge that you’ve done wrong: ◦ 1 John 1:8-10, Don’t seek to “rationalize” your “reasons” for sin. ◦ 1 Corinthians 6:8-11, God wills for you to be a changed person, no matter what your past. ◦ Matthew 18:6-9, put away stumbling blocks, and let’s never use them as an excuse to justify our actions. ◦ James 1:14-16, If our “mistake(s)” involve sin, who else can we blame? ◦ James 4:7-10, Let’s be willing to humble ourselves & acknowledge that we need to take accountability.

 Do not deal with the grief of your mistake(s) the wrong way: ◦ 1 Kings 21:4, Don’t just sit around and mope about it. ◦ 1 Kings 21:5-10, Don’t allow others to talk you into justifying your behavior. ◦ Matthew 27:5, Don’t spiral out of control, multiplying your sins.

 Go to the Lord and seek His mercy. ◦ 2 Corinthians 7: To people who had made some big mistakes of their own:  Paul wrote they were in both he & Timothy’s hearts (3),  He affirmed that God “comforts the downcast” (6),  He also acknowledged that comfort can come from other brethren (7b),  He wrote of how the knowledge of ones’ wrong produces sorrow, but the goal is that will last “only for a while” (8),  He also affirmed that… Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation (10).

 Seek God’s Way of overcoming your mistake(s).  "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:19-20 (NKJV)  Be willing to say and/or do whatever the Lord directs for you in His word!

 Others have overcome their past. (We can overcome too!) ◦ Acts 7:57-60; 8:1, 3; 9:1-2; 22:4-5; 26:9-11 ◦ 1 Timothy 1:12-16, Paul is a prime example of someone who can overcome.  Don’t “live in the past” (as far as guilt is concerned); God still loves and uses those who turn to Him. ◦ 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, Paul never forgot his past, yet he praised God for His grace, & the Lord acknowledged his efforts after conversion. ◦ Philippians 3:12-14, Press forward, with optimism!

 The goal for this study has been to encourage us all to press forward, because sometimes we (those who are conscientious) tend to beat ourselves up (mentally and emotionally) for our mistakes.  If we do not handle correctly the sorrow that comes from making bad decisions, then we may find ourselves in an even more “world of hurt”.

 Never ignore the problem, nor make excuses.  Acknowledge the wrong(s).  Go to the Lord & seek His mercy.  Seek God’s Way of overcoming.  Take courage: ◦ Others have overcome their past; we can overcome too! ◦ Don’t “live in the past” (as far as guilt is concerned). ◦ God still loves and uses those who turn to Him, so look forward and persevere!