What can I say about this subject? Been there, done that, many times. Sometimes it is easier to forgive others than ourselves, especially if it was something we think we should have known better. The truth is that we have the same rights at forgiveness through the blood of Christ as anyone else. Forgiving Yourself!

This is the way my wife put it to me. “If God forgives you, who do you think you are to not forgive yourself. Are you placing yourself higher than God?” This was an eye opener. She had received this from a dear friend of ours, Brent Scott. We lost contact with him, but hopefully someday we’ll meet again.

Okay, Joseph, I forgive you. Now let the healing flow. Pick up yourself and go on. I am human too. I can’t place a higher expectation on myself than the Lord does. Grace, peace, mercy and love are His ways. King David did some foolish things, but the Lord forgave him and he went on. If you look back through the Bible, a lot of who we call heroes of the Bible did some dumb things and yet they were highly favored of the Lord.

Abraham did some things we would look down on today and it was even at the suggestion of his wife. Jonah ran the wrong way and ended up in the belly of a fish, yet the Lord spared his life. We have to understand that this life is not about perfection, but rather one of grace. Collosians 2:6, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him. . .” Let me ask you this. Did you receive Him by being all perfect, or did He receive you just as you were? So now, if He accepted us as we were, why do we think He would love us more if we tried to be perfect in our own strength. Isaiah 64:6. Our righteousness is as filthy rags in His sight. It is through His righteousness that we can stand before Him.

So, what did you do that was so bad? Did you murder someone, maybe not physically but with your words? Did you say something that you can’t take back? Did you commit adultery? Did you do something simple, yet it was something that was very embarrassing? Whatever it was, you can’t go on from this place until you can forgive yourself. It is always going to be nagging at you until you do, even if you bury it. It may be that you will need to share it with someone and then maybe not. Whatever you choose to do, lay it before the Lord and let Him separate it from you as far as the east is from the west. Imagine Him doing it and then try to find it again. If you ask Him about it, He won’t remember. When you confess it to Him it is gone. There is a song by Margaret Becker called, Just Come In. I suggest you listen to it. It really helped me in some areas. I would listen to it over and over again until it became life. Then I could forgive myself. Then I could receive His healing and then I could go on. Point your finger at yourself and say, “Your name, I forgive you.” and then receive it.

Forgiveness is a great and wonderful thing. The weight of the world will come off of your shoulders. Your outlook on life will change and so will your view of others. Healing flows with forgiveness. Health flows into your life with forgiveness. Love also pours over your soul and heart. Life becomes wonderful again. It is worth it. It is also easier to forgive others. Choose life. Choose love. Choose to Forgive Yourself!

If this post makes a difference in your life, please pass it on to someone else. Take a moment today and every day to smile at someone. Open a door for someone. Take a few extra seconds on the freeway and let someone pull in front of you. Wave to a baby when it looks at you and watch it smile back. Touch someone today and feel the love. Feel free to read my other posts and pass them on. Here’s to you. May you be blessed and touched by the Master’s hand. May you walk in His love and may He become more real to you than your best friend. We have a plan and a purpose, stay tuned to our site for the new changes coming soon. The Lord is gathering and networking His people. If you feel Him tugging your heart, there is a place for you. Listen to His voice.

Joseph