Matthew 14:1,2
‘At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he himself has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”’
This is paranoia. Herod was living in sin and had John the Baptist killed. This sin haunted him. Just like all of us with our sin. I’m still reminded of my sins from decades ago.
Hebrews 10:22 gives part of the reason, “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” It’s called an evil conscience. Other versions call it a guilty conscience. It plagues us. It’s always reminding us of what we’ve done. Due to that constant reminder we think our sin prompted a response or that action. That develops paranoia.
This response can go to unhealthy levels to where it becomes a mental illness. We may have vulnerabilities in our minds. Some people have sensitive natures. This is usually a good thing. These sensitve souls feel and see pain in others. They can be very empathetic and be a blessing to others. Unfortunately their aware selves can be hard on themselves to where it’s punishing.
I tend to be sensitive and can wonder about someones treatment of me. Did I do something to warrant one’s response. That’s not bad, but it can be. I’ve learned when it’s time to let things go and when it’s appropriate to ask them about it. Not properly dealing with our inner selves is where paranoia can become a part of one’s self. Sin can complicate things.
Another area that’s needs a balance is our consciences. God gave a conscience to be reminded when we sin or offend others. It’s meant to tap us on the shoulder as a reminder to fix something. If we wrong another we are to go to them and make it right. The Hebrews passage also tells us to go to God and have Him cleanse our consciences. Jesus’ blood paid for our sins. Just as the priests would sprinkle the blood for cleansing, so God will cleanse our consciences. A nonbeliever can make restitution, but doesn’t have the cleansing God gives. The fallen conscience doesn’t work well.
The guilty conscience or the fallen conscience can contribute to paranoia. The constant tapping on the shoulder reminding us of our mistakes. Because it’s often on our minds we think current events are payback.
If we have dealt with the problem and confessed it to God we need to ignore our sensitivity and the over active conscience. Not always easy. Exercise, hang out with others as a distraction. Pray and ask God for help. In these times our consciences can be evil. I John 3:20 has been helpful to me, “Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things.” Our consciences aren’t God. This passage differentiates that. This was another liberating verse for me. At times our conscience is wrong, like mentioned earlier, we are to employ means to distract us from it.
Thank You, Lord, that You care about our inner selves and all its workings. Thank You for the freedom You give. Thank You for Jesus, who paid for our sins to free us from bondage.