I don't know that scritpure states we must forgive ourself, or maybe allow ourselves to be forgiven, but I think that if we don't forgive ourselves we can not truly forgive others or allow God to have complete control over our lives.
There are so many things that I have done wrong in my life, some I have forgiven myself for and allowed myself to be forgiven for as well as learned the lesson and moved on. There are many that I still need to allow myself to be forgiven for as well.
I have many people whom I need to forgive. It seems that as soon as I think I have truly forgiven the person for whatever it may have been but then the scene comes up again and I need to start all over again. Sometimes it gets quite frustrating. I feel that I take one step forward and two steps back at many times.
There are quite a few people whom I need to ask forgiveness from. That is not something I am good at, I was not taught to ask for forgiveness. I was taught to apologize, but not to ask for forgiveness. It is something of a relatively new concept to me that I am still trying to get myself in the habit of doing. Although I am sure it will come with time.
I know everyone has their struggles, but sometimes it's hard to remember that I'm not alone. That others have struggles as well, no matter how well they can hide them, and that God is always with me, guiding me and teaching me what it is He has for me to learn.
Blessings in Christ,
Chelsea,
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since I've read your blogs, but amazingly enough, this particular post has struck me dead on.
One of the many things that overwhelm me is God's timing. It was just yesterday that I was brooding over the fact that I was unsure I could forgive myself for some of the unforgivable things I've done to others...and then I stumble across your blog again, reading only to find out you're overcoming the very same thing. I, too, have apologized, and in some cases I've asked for forgiveness, but in those times that was before I became a Christian, before I understood the importance of giving and receiving forgiveness. Initially, I just wanted to clean my record, but now I think I understand that asking for forgiveness is a good way to repent, whether it's to God or someone you've wronged.
Not to sound pompous, but how do I forgive myself for my past? I don't like it, and even though there's nothing I can do to change it, I wish I could somehow start over with a clean slate, mainly because I'm embarrassed that I don't have an entirely clean slate. Make sense? :)
Sorry for commenting you with a book. I just wanted to thank you for the post - It's inspired me to look a little further into this issue. Whatever it is I should do, I hope to figure that out soon.
God Bless Chelsea! Have a good week.
-Megan