God Has Forgiven Us

Should we forgive ourselves?

Psalm 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We know that we are saved by faith and not by works. We also know that God wants us to live holy.  1 Peter 1:16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Even after we are born-again, we may find ourselves falling short in terms of living a holy life.

We know we should forgive others, but what about forgiving ourselves? The devil is called the accuser of the brethren. He not only accuses others to us; he also accuses us to ourselves. He will point out to us all the ways that we have failed to live, as God says we should.

Some Christians carry a lot of guilt even after God has forgiven them. If a righteous God can forgive us, ought we not to forgive ourselves? God looks at the heart.  He is looking for a heart that wants to do His will and to live a life that is acceptable to Him.  If you know that from your heart you desire to live as God wants you to, but sometimes you fall short, learn to forgive yourself.  God will forgive you for He knows that we are made from dust and the flesh always wars against the Spirit.

When we fail to forgive ourselves, we find it difficult to expect God’s best. We know the promises of God, but we consider ourselves to be unworthy. This is exactly how the devil wants you to feel. God does not want us to continue to live in guilt and shame, He wants us to come boldly to Him, standing on His promises.

Today, if you have been harboring feelings of unforgiveness or shame, release them and know that God loves you just as you are.  He is not holding your shortcomings against you. He is looking at your heart which longs to do His will and is offering you His unconditional love.