Forgiving Yourself
When the hardest person to forgive is you.
Letting yourself off the hook the way God already has.
The big idea
If God has forgiven you, holding it against yourself is one stubbornness too many.
What does “Forgiving Yourself” walk through?
Nothing Wasted, Even That
Romans 8:28 · KJV
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
In plain English
For those who love God, even hard events can be woven into something good over time.
The Older Voice
There's a voice in your head that keeps replaying your worst moments. That voice is not God's. God's already done the math, paid the cost, and moved on. The shame is yours; the forgiveness is his.
Healed by His Wounds
Isaiah 53:5 · KJV
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
In plain English
This points to a suffering Savior who bears our wrongdoing. His suffering brings peace and healing for us.
“If God doesn't bring it up, you don't have to either.”
We All Fall Short
Romans 3:23 · KJV
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
In plain English
Everyone falls short of God’s standard. No one can claim moral perfection.
Living Forward
Forgiving yourself isn't pretending it didn't happen. It's accepting that the same grace you preach to others is also for you. Walk into today carrying less than yesterday.
Pray
God, what you've forgiven, let me stop carrying. Let me believe it deeper than the lies that say I don't deserve grace.
Write it down
What thing about yourself are you still holding against you? Try writing it down — and writing 'forgiven' beside it.
You finished: Forgiving Yourself
There is no condemnation for those in Christ. Not even the kind you give yourself. Walk lighter today.
Which passages does this journey use?
3 passages, drawn from Romans 8:28, Isaiah 53:5, Romans 3:23. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 6 minutes for the whole thing, or 7 short sittings.
- Romans 8:28
- Isaiah 53:5
- Romans 3:23
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
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Peace in the Storm
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Love That Shows Up
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