Forgiveness, Part 2

Part of our struggle is forgiving those who have hurt us in the past. An entirely different journey involves forgiving ourselves. Have you ever heard the phrase, "You are your own worst critic?" I think that is more profound than we are willing to admit. The reality is that our inner monologues are full of our shortcomings. We beat ourselves up. We rehash our mistakes. How many of us allow our self-image to be defined by the most negative of our thoughts? I don't think these thoughts are the truest expression of who you are, and neither does God.

God does not hold you in contempt. Jesus tells us that he didn't come into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world. What right do you have to hold yourself in contempt? The Creator of the universe has made a way for us all to be forgiven, but we are unwilling to accept that forgiveness in our hearts. Part of our journey into wholeness is in the ability to forgive ourselves for our mistakes.

Do we make mistakes? Yes. Do we come up short in life? Of course. But God came to change all of that. The incredible truth is that God died so we could be different at our core. Paul says we are new creations in Jesus. Have you experienced this radical transformation? It is only found in Jesus, and He offers the gift freely. All we have to do is accept and believe.

Let yourself off the hook. God already has made the way for your forgiveness, and we all need to accept and embrace that love.