How often have you heard someone say, “I know God has forgiven me, but I will never be able to forgive myself?” Perhaps you have said it yourself a time or two. The issues that cause us shame and guilt are varied for sure, but once you confess your sins, the cleansing blood of Christ completely removes them from you. That’s what we are told in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What a tremendous truth.
How, then, can you silence those condemning voices you hear in your head? Let me share 4 ways:
- Acknowledged: The first step is to recognize that you have not forgiven yourself. Face up to this fact, and begin to deal with the issue.
- Repent: Tell the Lord that you realize your self-condemnation is a sin. Then accept and thank Him for His forgiveness.
- Believe God. Reaffirm your trust in the truth of God’s Word. In Psalm 103:12, the Lord says He has removed your transgressions as far as the east is from the west.
- Choose forgiveness. By an act of your will and by faith in what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross, decide to forgive yourself and move on in the power and strength of the Living Christ.
Listen, you can rest fully in what Jesus has accomplished for you on the cross. The Lord has given you His Word, so reject all the accusing voices and rest on His promises.
Prayer thought: “Father, thank You for forgiving me for my sins and for giving me true peace, amen.”
Today, focus on receiving His grace.