Word Count: 422

Send Article To Friend

Print/Use Article

Contact Karla Downing

---

Christian Codependency: Identifying the Beliefs Underlying False Guilt

by Karla Downing  
5/03/2012 / Relationships

Are you struggling with Christian codependency? If you answered yes, then you probably experience feeling guilty often in your relationships. If you hold the following beliefs, you will struggle with guilt in your relationships:

*You feel overly responsible for other people and as a result, feel guilty when others don't do what they are supposed to do and suffer the consequences. You believe that you should be able to take care of people close to you and prevent them from experiencing pain. You believe you have the answers to how others should live and when you aren't listened to believe you should have tried harder.

*You are easily manipulated by people who use guilt to get what they want. Dysfunctional people are skilled at identifying a codependent's weak points and using them to emotionally blackmail the person to meet their demands by making them feel guilty for not complying. They get you to doubt yourself because you believe you should always be willing to look at your own faults first and not judge others. As a result, you believe that there must be something wrong with you if the relationship isn't working or someone is upset with you.

*You believe God wants you to sacrifice for others and feel guilty when you say no, especially when the other person isn't happy with you. The guilt originates from confusion over whether or not it is okay to say no and take care of yourself. The guilt can be so uncomfortable that you would rather do what you don't want to do then feel it.

*You believe God expects you to help others and that you are responsible for ministering to them and helping them and that you will give an account of how you invested in other peoples' lives. This belief drives you and gives you a sense of urgency when dealing with people, because you feel responsible for their response to you.

"True guilt" is intended to help you know when you have done wrong so you can change directions. This is commonly referred to as "repentance." "False guilt" tells you that you have done something wrong when you haven't. In order for you to stop feeling guilty, you have to first identify the beliefs underlying your guilt. The second step is to change them into realistic beliefs. God is greater than your false guilt and can help you learn to discern between false and true guilt (1 John 3:18-20).

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Next, if you need more practical tips and Biblical truths to help you change your relationships, get my FREE "15-Day Relationship Challenge" designed to give you back the power over your life.

Just click here: http://www.Free15dayChallenge.com

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! Click here and TRUST JESUS NOW

Read more articles by Karla Downing

Like reading Christian Articles? Check out some more options. Read articles in Main Site Articles, Most Read Articles or our highly acclaimed Challenge Articles. Read Great New Release Christian Books for FREE in our Free Reads for Reviews Program. Or enter a keyword for a topic in the search box to search our articles.

---

Enter comments below. Due to spam, all hyperlinks posted in the comments are now immediately disabled by our system.

Please type the following word below:

Not readable? Change text.

The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Hire a Christian Writer, Christian Writer Wanted, Christian Writer Needed, Christian Content Needed, Find a Christian Editor, Hire a Christian Editor, Christian Editor, Find a Christian Writer