How to Forgive Yourself

It is often easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves.  For most people, the toughest person to forgive is themselves.  We are tougher on ourselves because we know more of our wrong doings.  We need to come to the place that we are willing to forgive anyone and everyone, for anything and at any time -- including ourselves.  Getting ahold of this truth will bring us to a much better place in life. 

When we do not forgive ourselves we live at a higher level of insecurity.  This causes us to think wrong things, act incorrectly and we end up treating others poorly.  Think about the thing that you won’t forgive yourself for.   Recognize that you would never do it again – even if you had the chance.  This is proof positive that you realize the error of your actions as well as the need to forgive yourself.

You need the freedom that comes from forgiveness, so why wait?  Take the time right now to ask God for forgiveness.  Even if you’ve asked Him before, ask Him again.  This time, fully receive God’s forgiveness.

1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  What is God saying here? When you ask for forgiveness you shall receive forgiveness.  God wants you restored.  It is His plan and purpose.  We ask and God gives.  This is very simple and straight forward; so simple that many stumble over it.  We do our part and God does His part.  After all, God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, so that we could be forgiven and restored to right standing -- full-fledged citizens with all rights and privileges.   God loves us and desires to be in fellowship with us.

When we do not forgive ourselves, we deny God access into our lives.   We close ourselves off from God and others and eliminate the peace and joy we long for.  This causes our lives to be incomplete. 

We see from the scripture reference above that if we ask God for forgiveness He gives it to us freely.  If God freely gives us forgiveness, how can we deny ourselves forgiveness?  When we insist on not forgiving ourselves, we make ourselves greater than God.  We are actually saying, “God forgives, but I will not forgive.”  The truth is we do not have a right to think of ourselves as bigger than God.

It’s time to humble yourself and forgive yourself.  You are made in the image and likeness of God and given the power to forgive sins.  God’s Word says, “Whose sins we shall forgive, they shall be forgiven and whose sins we shall retain, they shall be retained.”   Seeing that you have forgiven others and that God has forgiven you, you now know to forgive yourself.

You are a good person and you are redeemed from the curse of the law.  Now that you have been brought to your senses and have forgiven yourself, go and sin no more.

Congratulations on your newly found freedom.