Articles
Forgiving Ourselves
With how hard this year has been, it comes without saying that we have all had moments when our emotions guided our actions instead of God. The first step as David shows us in Psalm 51 is admitting our shortcomings to God (Pssalm 51:1-5). Whether these shortcomings were a moment of passion or a meditated choice we momentarily separated ourselves from God (Isiah 59:1-2). An inspiring thing about God is that He wants to and is willing to forgive us. Sometimes though, we ask God for forgiveness but then go ahead and continue to beat ourselves up. There is no sin, however, that is greater than God’s willingness to forgive because He sent His only son to die for you as proof of His love for you. As long as there is true repentance (Psalm 103:11-12) with the acceptance to admit our wrong doing and to confront it, the question no longer is, “Will God cleanse and forgive me?” but “Will I allow God to cleanse and forgive me?”
There is no doubt the problem of forgiveness and love lies with us and not with God (Romans 5:8). On our end, we must become a child of God and remember how much God cherishes and remains faithful to us (John 3:3, 5-7). Feelings of regret and guilt may still linger from time to time but your creator still loves you and wants the best for you despite a momentary mistake. As Christians we use the words child of God so much that we can forget the deep implications of them. This would be that Christ willingly suffered so that you can always have hope. A hope that you are always loved, cherished, and have God watching over you for support. Being loved and cherished by a parent brings us comfort but think of how much comfort the creator of the universe can bring as your parent if you allow Him to. As God’s children we can be confident in God’s promises and act with belief in His freeing truth (John 8:34-36). There will still be consequences to sin because God is a God of righteous discipline and justice; but as our loving parent God will continually guides us back to a loving path with His Word.
The Israelites in the Old Testament are a prime example of God guiding His repentant children back to Him. We may choose to focus on the sorrow that and the consequences to sin, but God designed repentance to end at forgiveness and love. Choosing to focus on the bad will lead to bitterness toward God, others, and ourselves and God does not want that. Psalm 51 verses 12 -19 mentions how God delights in our growth and releases us from our guilt. God knows that this produces an opportunity for us to help others see the light of God that got us through the very struggle we faced. The Israelites made many mistakes just like we make many mistakes. God’s love is always still there, however, and due to that that you always have goodness to offer God and others. A valuable lesson they offer us is that it is not our mistakes or consequences that define us with God. What confirms our character and heart with God instead, is our willingness to repent and to grow.
Inspired by Luke 5:1-11 and Psalm 51
