Forgive Yourself
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” Isaiah 43:25
If you are condemning yourself because you think your sins are too many or too big to deserve God’s grace, then go back and read the Scriptures above again carefully.
Why did God say He would forgive your sins? ‘For His own sake!’
So why do you have such a hard time accepting God’s forgiveness?
Some answers:
1. Because in some cases we feel like we are reaping what we have sown.
2. Because we have condemned someone else for doing the very thing we ourselves did.
3. Because we think God likes to keep us in the ‘naughty corner’ for a while so we will think twice before committing the same sin again.
4. Because growing up, when we disobeyed our parents, they took away certain privileges until we had proven ourselves.
5. Because we think we have to be ‘worthy’ of God’s mercy.
But when you refuse to forgive yourself, you’re implying that your transgressions are beyond the scope of God’s grace!
And that’s a bigger sin of Pride. But when you adopt a humble attitude and work on forgiving yourself because you know God has exonerated you, it is easier to forgive other people’s mistakes too.
When you repent, know this: God has forgiven you. So, you too, forgive yourself.
‘Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”’ Hebrews 10:17