How do you forgive yourself?
“I can never forgive myself for that!”
People tell us to forgive ourselves – but How?
Here is one idea. Go to the mirror and say,
“I forgive you for… (the past event).
You have within you all you need to grow in self-esteem,
self-confidence, and self-respect.
I forgive you because you deserve to be forgiven.”
Does that sound strange? It is! We can’t redeem ourself?
Do you just declare you are forgiven and that’s it? No!
There is no place in the Bible, no Scripture, and no command that
requires you to forgive yourself.
Consider the 3 types of sins:
1. You sin against God.
2. You sin against someone.
3. Someone sins against you.
God’s Word says, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”
Jesus shed His blood to cover every sin ever committed.
Consider the 3 types of forgiveness:
1. We ask God to forgive us because of the blood of Jesus.
2. We ask someone to forgive us because of the blood of Jesus.
3. We forgive someone because of the blood of Jesus.
We do not need to forgive ourselves.
He forgives us. “If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
It is as simple as that. When we struggle to forgive ourselves,
we are trying to take God’s place. We are saying that God’s forgiveness is
not enough. We have higher standards than He does. We say, “How could I
have been so stupid to do that or let that happen?”
God is faithful to forgive you. End of story. You are forgiven. Believe that by faith.
The struggle to forgive yourself is part of Satan’s scheme to keep you in doubt and fear.
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
Has God forgiven you? Has the person you offended forgiven you? Then you are forgiven.
It is foolish to talk to yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you are forgiven.
You can look in a mirror and say, “Hey, you, look up, God forgave you. That person forgave you. Now drop your standard and enjoy God’s forgiveness.”
Is the blood of Jesus sufficient to pay for your sins and those who sin against you?
What more can you do?
Praise Him for His forgiveness. Walk in it, believe it and drop your standard.
He has served the Lord at VCLI for the past 25 years. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and holds a BA degree from The Bible Institute of Los Angeles. He has been married to Susan for the past 28 years. They enjoy their 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
Ted, very clear and thoughtful explanation of this common statement we often hear people make. Thanks for using the Bible to explain the completeness of Jesus forgiveness.