But Did You Forgive ... You?

Ephesians 2:8-9

Straight into it.. no sweet stuff. Do you know how to forgive yourself? This blog will be a safe space for you and me to do some unpacking and get a better understanding of what grace means, how to give grace to yourself and how dangerous it can be to not allow yourself grace. You are due forgiveness just as much as you forgive those that trespass against you.

Forgiving Yourself

Self-forgiveness is not about excusing our mistakes or brushing them under the rug; it is a intentional process that requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to confront our sin. It involves acknowledging the pain we may have caused ourselves or others, reflecting on the lessons learned, and then allowing ourselves the compassion we often readily extend to others. This act of grace is vital for our emotional well-being and relatonship with Jesus.

The Importance of Grace

Grace is a simply a gift given from God, grace is favor the the lord shows his children and it renews daily (Lament 3:22-23). It is essential to recognize that you are due forgiveness just as much as you forgive those who trespass against you. When we hold onto guilt or shame, we create barriers and foot holes for the enemy that prevents us from pressing forward and our ability to mature in Christ. This can lead to a cycle of condemnation and negativity that not only impacts our mental state but also affects our relationships and faith in Jesus.

Allowing yourself a grace involves understanding that everyone makes mistakes, including you. It's simply a part of being human (Prov 24:16). By accepting this and remembering that Jesus has taken on our errors, you can begin to release the guilt from the past. Rather than criticizing yourself, consider partnering with Christ and asking God what lessons you can learn from your experiences.

The Dangers of Withholding Forgiveness

Failing to extend grace to yourself can hinder your spiritual growth in Christ. Consider the example of Adam and Eve in Genesis. As the first humans, they naturally had flaws. This story illustrates the experience of condemnation. In Genesis 3, after they sinned, they hid, which represents condemnation..a declaration of guilt, judgment, and unrighteousness. Adam and Eve's disobedience led them to hide from God. This is where I'll share my thoughts with you all. Over the past six months, I've struggled with feelings of unworthiness because I haven't been diligent in prayer and fasting. I recognize that, as a child of God with a calling, I can't fully pursue Him without maintaining constant and clear communication. I came to understand that I was experiencing condemnation, which isn't of God. At the same time, I needed to remember that I'm my own harshest critic and must extend grace to myself as I navigate life's challenges and changes. Not extending myself grace basically is me telling myself Jesus didn't account for my hiccups and shortcomings.

Steps to take as you learn to be more gentle with yourself

• Take it easy

  This is significant for me. Rushing can often give a misleading sense of urgency. Being busy isn't the same as being effective. Take your time to "breathe." Don't worry about tomorrow, as it has its own challenges. Matthew 6:34

• Read Your Bible

  As I mentioned before, I've had difficulties nourishing my spirit with the word, and I've noticed that the harder it is for me to study, the more distant I feel from the Lord, which is something neither I nor anyone else can afford. The more you study, the more you will understand grace and its workings, and you will discover the promises God has made to both you and me. You'll see how much He loves you and that He created you in His image. Building a relationship with Jesus is a vital part of the journey, alongside praying and studying God's word.

• Confess Your Sin To One Another

Discuss it! We are all God's children facing similar challenges. The sins mentioned in the Bible are the same issues we encounter today; there's nothing new under the sun regarding the everyday struggles we face as humans. Pray for someone you can trust and confide in, creating a safe space for both of you to discuss your struggles. Seek wise counsel, as I often say, iron sharpens iron.

• Pray and Repent Every Day

  Make it a habit to include repentance in your daily prayers. This way, you won’t let your mistakes "pile up". Remember, the enemy loves to take advantage of our slip-ups, pulling us away from Jesus and letting doubt and confusion creep in. His goal is to taint all good things God has created. Don’t let the enemy shake your faith in the grace and mercy that Jesus gifts us every single day! We must acknowledge our weaknesses and remain humble before our savior. He responds to a broken and contrite heart, so we should humble ourselves to pray and seek forgiveness.

• Jesus LOVES You

  Discover for yourself how the Lord perceives you. He counts your tears and sees your struggles (El Roy). Seek to understand how much He truly delights in you and that He is not always angry with us. I once adopted the mindset of "I think you're always upset with me, Lord," which stemmed from feelings of condemnation. Constantly feeling inadequate led me to believe I wasn't good enough. However, Ephesians 2:10 reveals that we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to accomplish. This means He designed us to be great, and if we remain connected to Him, we can and will achieve great things.

Conclusion

In navigating the journey of self-forgiveness, it is crucial to embrace grace and compassion towards ourselves. Acknowledging our mistakes as part of the human experience allows us to cultivate emotional well-being and deepen our relationship with Jesus. By understanding that grace is a divine gift, we can break free from the chains of guilt and shame that often hinder our spiritual growth.

As we practice gentleness with ourselves, let us commit to daily reflection, prayer, and study of the Scriptures. These practices not only strengthen our connection with God but also empower us to overcome the challenges surrounded by our shortcomings. Remember that nobody is perfect, but through grace, we have the opportunity to learn and grow.

Thank You

As always, I want to express my deep love and appreciation for each and every one of you. Your support means the world to me, and I genuinely hope that the content I share in these posts serves as a guiding light that leads you closer to Christ. My intention is to create a space where we can explore our faith together, reflecting on the teachings and wisdom that can enrich our walk with Christ. In many ways, these blogs have transformed into my own personal diary, a collection of thoughts, reflections, and experiences that I feel compelled to share with all of you. Each entry is a glimpse into my heart and mind, where I strive to articulate the lessons I've learned and the insights I've gained through my relationship with God. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can inspire you to ponder your own path and deepen your connection with your faith. I look forward to our next encounter, where we can continue this journey together, exploring new topics, sharing our thoughts, and growing in our understanding of what it means to walk in faith. Until then, take care, and may you find peace and joy in your daily lives!