Do you practice forgiveness? It’s one of God’s most glorious gifts–forgiveness. It’s what makes it possible for us to be joined with Him, for His Spirit to be able to live within us peacefully. 

We thank God for being faithful to forgive when we admit we did wrong and many of us are able to forgive others through Christ’s example and grace. But what about yourself? Are you able to forgive yourself or do you continue to hold yourself in the grip of shame? 

I’ve heard the reasoning, “If I forgive myself it’s like a hall pass and I’m afraid I’ll just do it again.” Don’t confuse the words forgiveness and forgetfulness, they are not the same. When something is truly forgiven, it changes you inside. It removes anger, resentment, hostility, hurt, darkness, etc. It brings peace and freedom. We know it–we preach it–forgive if you want to be forgiven. 

But what are you telling Father if you allow Him to forgive you but continue to hold yourself in contempt? Isn’t it really a matter of pride? Do you hold yourself to a higher standard thinking you should be able to stand stronger, be better, sin less, than your Christian brother or sister? “I am telling every single one of you, through the grace that has been given to me, not to have exaggerated ideas of your own importance.” (Romans 12:3)

Every single one of us means the world to God. He pursues each of us with the same love, agape love. You are divinely forgiven when you ask for it from your heart. You aren’t instructed to forget your wrong– tuck it away to remind you to stay away from it but refuse to let it continue to stand in the way of God’s overflowing love. Are you still angry at you? Talk to God about it again.