Forgive yourself

Forgive Yourself

Experience and the Word of God demonstrates that forgiveness is actually a two way street. Biblically, we know that we forgive and, because we forgive, we are ourselves forgiven. Its a straight deal - Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

First off then, we need to forgive others. This is much easier for the Christian than others but it is still a great psychological barrier. How do you forgive your abuser, the man who raped your daughter, one who abuses or even kills your child? How much easier to hate than to forgive? Yet Jesus forgave the soldiers crucifying Him and asked His Father to forgive them too.

There is another side to forgiveness that is often over-looked. So many blame God for what has happened to them but they never seem to consider ‘forgiving’ God. No matter what you may think, God doesn’t do bad stuff. He may allow bad stuff but He doesn’t order it or do it. So to blame God for bad stuff is a little out of order and we need to “forgive” Him for allowing things to happen to us. Either way, “God uses all things for the good of those who love Him” Romans 8:28

“Why did I do that?” “Why did I say this?” These are common cries from us and that’s just the start. The enemy then comes along and asks, nay torments us with the self same questions. So we see the emerging need to forgive ourselves.

Lastly accepting forgiveness both from God and from ourselves. Sounds strange doesn’t it? To accept forgiveness is to acknowledge that we have been forgiven – either or both by God and by ourselves. If God has forgiven you, which He does, then who are you to effectively tell Him He is wrong by holding on to your own guilt.

Forgiveness is complex and, at its best, is such a relief. We take stuff to the cross, give, ask for, and receive forgiveness, then we leave it there to be washed away by the Blood of the Lamb.