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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I feel like I have a guilty conscience, but I don’t know if I’m being too hard on myself. What exactly is the function of the conscience and why don’t we hear much about it? – G.C.

A: To have a guilty conscience is an experience, most would say unbearable. Psychologists may define it as a guilt complex and may seek to rationalize away the sense of guilt, but once this has been awakened through the application of the law of God, no explanation will quiet the insistent voice of conscience. Many a criminal has finally given himself over to the authorities because the accusations of a guilty conscience were worse than prison bars.

The Bible teaches that Christ cleanses the conscience. To have a guilty conscience cleansed and to be free from its constant accusation brings relief, but it is not the cleansing of the conscience that saves you; it is faith in Christ that saves the soul. A cleansed conscience is the result of having come into the right relationship with God.

Our soul is that part of our being which possesses intelligence, conscience, and memory – the real personality. The body will die, but the soul lives on, and the soul has a “sixth sense” – the ability to believe, to have faith. Our souls set us apart from every other living creature, and that makes us unique. It also makes us fully human.

But God’s Word says, “God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right” (Romans 2:15, NLT).

God speaks to us through our conscience. This may be a “still small voice” that will not let us go until we do what we know is right. We must never silence that inner voice but check what we think it is saying in light of the Scriptures.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.