Monday – Gospels

Reading – Luke 22

Highlight Verse:

“And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭62‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today is Memorial Day, a day to remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedom.

We would also do well to remember those who survived combat situations.

Before coming down to my desk, I felt led to read the next chapter in a book I’ve been reading. The book is “Sharing Too Much” by Richard Paul Evans. The chapter is about double jeopardy.

Mr. Evans points out that, while our justice system is barred from putting us on trial more than once for the same crime, we all too often do that to ourselves.

Any soldier who has survived combat situations when others didn’t can attest to this. Survivor’s guilt is a real and difficult condition to overcome.

I believe Peter had a form of survivor’s guilt. He had to wonder if there was anything that he could have done to prevent the crucifixion.

Of course, there wasn’t, and Jesus graciously restored him.

While I have not experienced survivor’s guilt, there are plenty of things that I have tried and convicted myself of over the years – often over and over.

While Richard Paul Evans may not believe like me in some ways (he is a member of the Latter Day Saints) he has shared many ideas that are very Christ-like. This chapter was no exception.

He suggested that the next time that guilt pops back up, accept forgiveness from God again, write down the error on paper and burn the paper.

The next time that guilt pops up, remind yourself that you already dealt with that.

Have you dealt with (or are dealing with) survivor’s guilt? How would you advise others dealing with it?
Are there other sins that you have continued to kick yourself over? Does Mr. Evan’s advice help you?