How often have you heard someone say, “I know God has forgiven me, but I will never be able to forgive myself”? This topic hits too close to home for many of us. I thought this was so powerful, I had to share it with you.
Such self-condemnation can spring from several sources, but it is, in any case, an enemy God has already defeated. Romans 8:1 tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” This encouraging statement covers all condemnation, including self-recrimination. How, then, should we deal with those condemning voices?
First of all, we need to distinguish between remorse and guilt. It is appropriate to feel sorrow and remorse for past deeds, but to carry guilt for them is not necessary.
The Bible assures us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us (1 John 1:9).
Any lingering feelings of guilt after this are enemies trying to rob us of our freedom in Christ.
Sometimes these feelings of guilt stem from the mistaken notion that we still must pay for our sins, so we unconsciously embrace perpetual remorse as a way to make restitution for past wrongs. Such a practice suggests the faulty notion that Jesus did not really pay for all sin by the shedding of His precious blood. When we realize that He has stamped “paid in full” on our account, then we must never dare to side with those who would have us believe otherwise.
Since God has given us His Word, we can reject all accusing voices and rest on His promise: “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:20).
Carol says
Love this and so true!
Andrea says
So, so true. So thankful that Christ removed all my guilt. He has cast my sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). I love that saying “paid in full” because He did just that. He rescued me and for that I am truly grateful! Great post!
Anna says
Thank you Micca, this is absolutely what I needed to help my 17 year old daughter understand more clearly what I have been trying to tell her. She asked “Will God forgive me for any sin I have done?” Thank You Ladies for the scriptures, I will give these to my girl to read also.
Tami says
Thank you for this message. This is what I am struggling with. Forgiveness for me and the people that have hurt me. I also am having a hard time forgiving my husband daily for the things he does as he is not saved
shellyl says
Dear Mica,
This message could not have come on a better morning for me. Just yesterday, I decided to share the most shameful story of my life with someone. In the telling of it, I realized that although I have completely forgiven my abuser, I have not given myself the gift of forgiveness for staying in the marriage as long as I did. I have not told my husband yet that I am now strong enough to leave him, but I’m getting there. Please pray for me for not only God’s strength to confront my abuser, but for God’s grace to forgive myself. Thank you Mica. Shelly