FORGIVE YOURSELF
You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. Psalms 85:2 (NIV)
In life it’s hard to forgive others, but sometimes it is even harder to forgive ourselves. The past mistakes bring guilt into our lives and they can ruin our present and future.
The word guilt means someone who is under judgement and is suffering the consequences or punishment,t of their bad actions. When the conscience is violated, guilt is produced and guilt produces anxiety.
A PERSON WHO CARRIES GUILT:
They Punish Themselves: These people say, “I have to suffer this because I deserve it!” We do not have to suffer more in order to be forgiven or accepted; Christ already paid the price on the cross.
They Feel Unworthy: “Why should God answer my prayers?” “Am I worthy of God’s forgiveness?” “Can I be used by Him?” Even if we are unworthy, it is by grace that we are forgiven (Hebrews 10:19-21).
They Develop Compulsive Behaviors: drugs, alcohol, sexual practices, materialism, excessive work, food and shopping.
They Develop False Humility: They think they do not deserve anything and say: “I do not deserve anything because I am a bad person!”
CONSEQUENCES OF GUILT:
• It produces constant torture. It steals our peace.
• It brings sadness, depression and sickness to our life.
• It moves us away from God’s presence.
• It steals our joy.
• It removes the desire to serve God and people.
FORGIVENESS IS THE SOLUTION TO THE GUILT FEELING
God forgives us when we repent, but we must learn to forgive ourselves. In the Hebrew hall of fame, God does not mention these characters , sins and weaknesses; He speaks about their great achievements and sacrifices.
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions. (Hebrews 11:32-33 NIV).
Practice the rules of forgiving yourself:
• I will not think of this incident again.
• I will not mention the situation again, nor use it against myself.
• I will not speak about this incident with others.
• I will not allow that mistake to interfere with my relationship with God.
God will not despise a repented heart. (Psalm 51:17)
Think about it:
• Have you carried guilt because of a situation or a mistake you made? Has it benefited you to carry that feeling?
• Is there something you can do to change that mistake?
• Have you accepted Jesus in your heart and received the forgiveness He offers you?
