The 15-Second Rule That Changed My Life: How to Let Go of Guilt and Live Free in God’s Grace.
Let me tell you what happened the other evening.
People are often surprised when I mention that I cook. Yes, I’m blind—and yes, blind people do cook. In fact, we do it quite economically. When no one else is home, there's no need to turn on the lights. Imagine the electricity we save!
Last night, while my sweet husband was telling me about his day, I was peeling some carrots. In my hurry, I placed one too close to the edge of the counter, and sure enough, it rolled onto the floor.
Without hesitation, he jumped up and said, “I’ll get it.”
As he handed it to me, he added, “Here. Got it before 15 seconds.”
“Fifteen seconds?” I asked.
“Yep. If you pick something up within 15 seconds, no harm done. Learned that as a kid.”
I smiled. But then I paused. The more I thought about that quirky little rule, the more profound it became.
A Deeper Application
Sure, the floor is still the floor—whether something’s there for one second or fifteen, it still needs cleaning. But there was a lesson buried in that moment.
I started wondering… What if I applied that 15-second rule to my inner life?
How often do we let something negative fall into our spirit and just leave it there? How long does it sit before we even realize the damage it’s doing?
I’m talking about guilt.
Anybody know what I mean?
When Guilt Lingers Too Long
That sneaky emotion creeps in when you're most vulnerable. Guilt slithers through your thoughts like a snake—slow and quiet—but poisonous all the same.
It shows up in moments of discouragement. And then it speaks:
“If you hadn’t done that, this wouldn’t be happening.”
“What were you thinking?”
“You’re not doing enough.”
For me, it's thoughts like: "You should spend more time reading God’s Word, encouraging others, creating more leads, writing more..."
That guilt starts stacking up like clutter in a room, and before you know it, it’s stealing your peace and silencing your confidence.
But not anymore.
I’m Applying the 15-Second Rule
I made a decision: guilt doesn’t get to linger.
If something falls into my heart that doesn’t belong there—regret, shame, self-doubt—I have fifteen seconds to pick it up and toss it out before it spreads discouragement and sadness.
Why? Because guilt trips cost.
And the currency is joy, peace, and a clear mind to serve God.
Here's the Truth: God Already Forgave You
If you're like me and you've got a list of past failures, here's what you do:
- Ask for forgiveness.
- Believe—truly believe—that God forgives a repentant heart.
- And then… move on.
If you’re dealing with something right now that’s making you feel guilty, address it. Correct it. Then move forward. Not because you're perfect, but because He is.
Dr. Charles Stanley once wrote in his devotional: “Remember we are forgiven. If we confess our sins, He forgives. First John 1:9 promises us the process is that simple… The Enemy stimulates false guilt… Make a declaration: ‘In the name of Jesus Christ, I reject these feelings of guilt. They have absolutely no scriptural basis. They are false, and I refuse to acknowledge them.’”
The moment you do, the weight lifts. The lies lose their power. And your heart begins to breathe again.
Jesus Came to Give Us Freedom
He said it Himself: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:9-10)
Life to the full. Not half-empty with guilt. Not dimmed by shame. Not heavy with regret.
That’s the promise—and the freedom—we get when we walk through His gate. A fresh start. A clean heart. Like a morning breeze, reassurance fills the soul.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank you for the freedom we find in You—liberated from destructive emotions and replaced by the peace and reassurance You give me—a beautiful gift wrapped in Your love.
What guilt are you still holding onto that God has already forgiven—and what would your life look like if you let it go… in the next fifteen seconds?
Bonus article on today’s topic.
Janet
P.S. In my book “Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy” I share how guilt came knocking at my door—for a very real reason. But I refused to let it move in and how you can do the same.
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