There are times in which our experience of moral guilt is notably disproportionate to the seriousness of a sin we’ve committed.

It sometimes happens, due to a poorly formed conscience, we may experience little or no sense of guilt over something we’ve done wrong. We may lack it simply because we didn’t know that what we did was wrong, or the degree to which it was wrong.

While some may claim that “ignorance is bliss.” as Christians we know that in matters of conscience, such an attitude is not in keeping with God’s design for us. He wants us to know the truth, that it might set us free, and this certainly applies to moral knowledge.

Therefore, not experiencing a sense of guilt or remorse for having done something sinful is something needing our attention. Fortunately, correcting this kind of disproportionate guilt is often straightforward. A better formed conscience, capable of clearer moral vision, helps with an appropriate appreciation for the wrong we’ve done.

However, another related phenomenon also happens sometimes. Occasionally we might experience excessive guilt over a sin. Perhaps it is a large one that we can’t seem to put behind us, even after we’ve confessed it.

We might struggle with guilt for a long time simply because we have a difficult time coming to terms with what we’ve done or with related feelings of shame or regret. This is especially common for serious sins such as abortion or adultery.

It may also be that we struggle this way because our actions were so out of character for us, or involved behavior we never imagined ourselves doing. These situations can cause us to feel excessively guilty.

But with time and a deepening of faith, we can truly heal from some of these self-imposed wounds.

God’s mercy is great enough not only to forgive the sin but to begin healing in other ways too, including lessening some of those lingering feelings of guilt. It may take time, and its not to say that we will necessarily forget our sins, or end any feeling of regret when we remember them. It’s just to say that eventually we can move beyond the power that such guilt might have over our minds and hearts, and experience new freedom.

This freedom comes when we can regret what we’ve done while knowing that we’re forgiven and loved by God.

Part of this help might also come from God’s working through others along the way. There are beautiful ministries within the Church that can help with this. As an example, there is the ministry of Project Rachel which deals especially with those seeking healing after abortion. While Project Rachel is national in scope, it is also active here in the Rockford Diocese. One can contact them at projectrachelrockford@gmail.com or 815/387-3379.

For some people the healing they seek can be complicated by other factors. Those who struggle with serious anxiety or obsessive thoughts may find those feelings of guilt particularly difficult to deal with or really struggle to obtain a sense of being forgiven. In the more serious cases, this is sometimes known as scrupulosity. While people may think of themselves as being a little “scrupulous” now and then or in certain areas of life, if it becomes excessive, then one may need to seek professional help, much like anyone else dealing with obsessive or compulsive behavior.

While a priest in confession can offer God’s forgiveness, not many priests are able to offer the kind of counsel that a truly scrupulous person may require. Sometimes its truly a “both-and” approach that’s needed to heal from a struggle with excessive guilt: seeking forgiveness and spiritual healing through the Church, while at the same time seeking professional help from those best equipped to offer that help.

The good news is, there is hope, there is help, and there is healing. With God all things are possible.