A Kiss from Rose | A Message About Guilt

Guilt is one of those emotions that quietly creeps in and clings to your soul. It doesn’t need much to grow — just a little regret, a little shame, a little voice whispering, “You should’ve known better.” Guilt can follow you, shadow you, weigh you down until you’re dragging yourself through your days. If you have a heart and a conscience, guilt will mess with you. And let’s be honest — no one wants to carry guilt. It’s heavy. It steals your peace.

But in the middle of guilt’s grip, remember the man who hung on the cross next to Jesus. He wasn’t innocent. He said it himself. While one of the men hanging beside Jesus mocked Him, the other man spoke up and said, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he turned to Jesus and said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

And what did Jesus say in return? “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

That man was guilty — no debate about it. But Jesus didn’t reject him. He didn’t throw his sins back in his face. He welcomed him. Right then and there.

That’s who Jesus is. That’s who the Father is. Forgiving. Compassionate. Merciful. Even when guilt is real.

So the next time you’re ready to crucify someone with your words or judgment for what they did — stop and remember Jesus. He may be preparing a place for that person. He may give them a redemption story so powerful, their legacy outlives every person who mocked them.

Before you point fingers, pause and ask yourself:

Are YOU guilty of anything?

Let grace lead. Let mercy speak. Because Jesus already carried the guilt.

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