Forgive Yourself

Each year most individuals tirelessly try to prove and compare themselves. In this process people become too hard on themselves. This limits our ability to be the best version of ourselves. When we are too hard on ourselves we can become angry, judgmental, envious and jealous. It robs us of our joy to enjoy life itself. No need to be hard on yourself this year.

But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. Matthew‬ ‭5:22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Learn to forgive yourself because it frees you from all condemnation. We harbor unforgiveness within ourselves without knowing it which harmful and poisonous to our souls. I know I can be extremely hard on myself. I turn into my own worst critique. Over the years the more I am hard on myself I end up becoming my own worst enemy of my God given destiny. Forgiving yourself gives you permission to not be so hard on yourself. God’s forgiveness frees us from this toxic thinking and way of life. We hold ourselves to a high standard or unwilling to forgive our past. Only the present can determine the future, but if we allow the past to be in the present then we are causing self-inflicted harm. When we don't forgive it follows us in the future. It never goes away and weighs us down till the point of potential drowning. Many people don't forgive people or themselves. Once we look to God and see how quickly He is to forgive. Then we can model that character trait and do the same to ourselves.

How can you begin to forgive yourself? See how God forgives you. Its called Grace and it is extended out to everyone which means you. His forgiveness says, “I see you as you are and love you as you are, right now.” We don’t have to put on a show or pretend to earn this forgiveness. Jesus came to save you because of who you are. Not because of what you have done. It is just given, but we have to make a choice to accept it and receive it with an open heart. Once you recognize His love for you and the forgiveness he offers. You can make steps to become the best version of yourself. Then you can choose His forgiveness from which is Christ himself.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:23 NLT

Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Colossians 1:22 NLT

When we receive God’s grace and forgiveness, we free ourselves of the debt over us. This year to be the best version of yourself learn to forgive yourself. Then it will be easier for you to forgive others. It takes practice to continually forgive yourself. Work hard, but just don’t be so hard on yourself. We all fail in an area in life, but that doesn’t stop us from moving forward. Forgiveness is choosing to be free spiritually, mentally, and physically. Once you forgive yourself then you will free yourself.

Reflection Time:

-Will you choose to forgive yourself?

-Why are you so hard on yourself?

-Have you chosen to forgive others as well?

-What is holding you back from forgiving the past?

Read the Bible verses below:

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9 NLT

“For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins.” Psalms 25:11 NLT

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 NLT

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:23 NLT

‍