From guilt over practicing eating disorder behaviors to guilt over other things such as school matters, decisions, parenting or relationships, guilt can seem like a constant companion when you have an eating disorder. You may even feel guilty just for the fact that you have an eating disorder.
In order to combat guilt in Christian eating disorder recovery, ask yourself if your guilt is legitimate. In other words, have you sinned? If so, then it is time to confess to God whatever it is that has brought on the guilt. If not, then you do not deserve to feel that guilt. Even if your guilt is legitimate, you do not have to remain bound to those feelings of guilt.
Combating guilt may seem difficult, but if you are in Christian eating disorder recovery, you have divine help. To start, you can pray and ask God to help you discern whether the guilt you feel over any given matter is legitimate or not. If it is, you can pray and ask God to help you let go of the guilt. It serves no purpose if you have not sinned, and it will only be an unnecessary burden for you to carry. If the guilt you feel is a result of sin, confess that sin to God. In 1 John 1:9, He promises forgiveness: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Remember that God’s forgiveness is already there. If you find it difficult to accept His forgiveness, discuss this matter with your counselor, pastor or another trusted person in your life who can help you examine why this may be difficult for you. Once you accept His forgiveness, you don’t have to live under the burden of guilt any longer.
After let go of guilt, you can examine why you sinned, learn from the experience and set some guidelines for yourself to help prevent you from committing the same sin again. Let God lead you through this process. He wants you to learn and grow.
Whether the guilt you feel is associated with eating disorder behaviors or other things, God’s forgiveness is all the same. In Christian eating disorder recovery, you have His help to let go of guilt. Allow Him to do His work in you.