Self Forgiveness

We not a collection of our past mistakes.

Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. 

1 John 3:20 New Living Translation

Today is a new day, and we have been made new in Christ,

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

In the past, I struggled with remembering that I was not a giant walking, talking mistake. I was guilty of looking at myself with the same value I saw in a pile of dirty laundry. Soiled, stinking, and unfit for use. 

I had to learn to extend the same grace that God sees in me, to myself. To forgive myself for the junk that dumped out of my mouth, and confess to Jesus that it is not a reflection of who I am. I would then agree with His Word, and speak over my life that “I have been made new in his sight.” The negative attitudes, selfish moments, or careless overlooked opportunity to love someone, that would bring me feelings of guilt and shame, were not the “dirty clothes” I had to continue wearing.

throw off your old sinful nature and former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God- truly righteous and holy. 

Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT

In my house, there is always going to be a pile of dirty laundry. Why? Because clothes are important, and they get dirty after they’re worn. Part of building my godly character means I am going to face battles with my sinful nature, and have some dirty laundry to deal with. God has compassion for this process, so much so that gave me a solution for it.

Jesus “wore my dirty laundry” which are my sins, on the cross, so that I could be washed clean,

He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

Romans 4:25 NLT

So, why dishonor his sacrifice by continuing to wear guilt and shame? Here is my role. I confess and repent of the sin that is weighing on my heart and separating me from closeness with God. I make it right with others by apologizing if I need too, and then I forgive myself in the same way I have been forgiven by God. Completely! God say’s “I will remember their sins no more.” That means it’s over and done.

This applies to all sin. There is nothing anyone of us has done that God isn’t aware of. So if you are hiding your sin from God out of shame, I want to remind you that it’s not actually hidden. You aren’t going to shock him when you confess it. In fact, I promise you that he is waiting with outstretched arms to show you his unfailing love and mercy. If this is you, go receive it, my sweet friend.

“And I will forgive their wickness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

Hebrews 8:12

Additional Verses: 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s perfect will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2 NLT

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

Prayer:

“Lord, I confess my sins and repent of them, I don’t want anything to separate me from you. Forgive me for where I have fallen short of all that you created me to be. Thank you for your total forgiveness and unfailing love. Thank you that you view me as a new creation and not a collection on my past sins. Strengthen me with your word so I can resist the enemy’s temptations to sin. You are always with me, and I thank you for it. It’s in your name I pray Jesus. Amen.”