Forgiving ourselves can be very challenging, but its an important first step in moving forward. Pastor Neal Whitney from The Church at Allentown sat down to talk with Jennifer Beck on the importance of this concept.
Making Mistakes
We’ve all made mistakes in our past, and it’s likely will continue to make them for the rest of our lives. Guilt over those mistakes — how much we’ve failed God and how much we’ve failed others — makes it hard for us to get over what we’ve done. Satan plays his role as the accuser well, trying his best to stifle the freedom we have in Christ.
Moving Forward
The number one thing is to recognize that what Jesus did on the Christ is a reality for us today. We have to constantly remind ourselves of the truth of this scripture:
Remember, you are a child of God! Jesus’ death on the cross was a one time sacrifice for us that never expires. For anything you’ve done in your life — whether yesterday, last week, or years ago — that sacrifice covers that. Proclaim your freedom!
Forgiveness is amazing
If we were the only person on the face of the Earth, Jesus would still have died on the cross for us. This is why forgiving ourselves is so key to our Christian walk: His love for us knows no limits, so we should embrace the victory.
What if we sin again?
Remember, God will forgive us as many times as is necessary as long as our heart is right. As a preview for our focus in April, this is why an accountability partner is so helpful in moments like these. James reminds us:
This is a huge part of walking alongside each other and helps to contribute to our spiritual freedom.
Forgiving Ourselves
Let today be the end of the shame game! Don’t allow yourself to live in the darkness: let the Son’s warmth embrace you and help you forgive yourself!
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I’ve heard it said that God does indeed forgive us when we repent and turn away from sin and then we have to forgive ourselves. My question is this, is this scriptural and where do you find it. It seem that when Jesus forgives us then we have to forgive ourselves because Jesus’s forgiveness was not enough. It seems all we have to do is accept His forgiveness. If this is not scriptural then it’s a false teaching and we should not be promoting it. What say you .