2) Phantom Guilt – Like a person who has had a limb amputated.
Phantom guilt can persist in a Xian’s life for sometime if not dealt with… where does it come from…?
- A hypersensitive/weak conscious…
- Unhealthy spiritual upbringing…
- Unhealthy upbringing…
o Don’t feel what you feel… feel what we tell you to feel!
o Don’t show emotion! ** Don’t ever get angry!
o Emotions not validated… You shouldn’t feel like that!
o Abuse… neglect… abandonment…
Phantom Guilt unchecked…. Can lead to:
- Perfectionism
- Workaholic
- Depression
- Regular outburst of anger
- An inability to have close relationships
- Can lead to physical illnesses!
- Can lead to addictions… from drugs to food to shopping!
Feeling guilty…? Ask: Is my guilt true guilt or phantom guilt…?
Have I violated God’s Word…? Or…
Have I not lived up to my mom’s expectations…?
Have I disappointed my dad…?
Have I not lived up to some expectation that’s not from God…?
