Forgiveness, Oh What A Feeling 5

It is one thing to be forgiven by God, or to struggle with forgiving that family member, friend or even enemy. But have you ever thought about the stress people carry all the time on their shoulders when they do not forgive themselves? Are you one of these people? If we could look to one person in Scripture, who shows us what it means to walk joyfully in this world while not letting his past defeat him or stress him out, that man would be the Apostle Paul. This was a man who persecuted, hurt, and killed followers of Christ. He described himself as the "chief of all sinners." How could this man live in victory when he thought about his past actions? This same question must be asked of us as well - How can I forgive myself?

Well, good news, bad news - (Bad news) It is impossible to forgive yourself on your own, your guilty conscience and pride will not allow it (1 John 3:20). (Good news) A Christian can only forgive themselves when they embrace God's grace, mercy and strength. Let me break down these thoughts a little further. Paul could forgive himself when he realized the power of God's grace (1 Cor. 15:9-10). God's grace gives us a new position, new purpose, and new power. God did something for us that we could not do on our own, and with that work of grace, we can boldly walk in victory from that sinful past. We also see that Paul could forgive himself when he accepted God's mercy (1 Tim. 1:13-17). You see, God's mercy is offered to all unbelievers, whether one accepts it or not. When He died on the cross, mercy was offered for all sin. Now there is a time coming when His mercy toward the wicked will end; but until then, today is a day to receive God's mercy.
But it does not end there, God's mercy continues to flow upon His children. God is so patient with us. God is continuing forgiving us. God is sovereign, what more could we ask for. Oh, friend, you need not walk under the burden of your past sins, you can walk in victory at the cross. And no matter what your past looks like, His forgiveness is sufficient. Go ahead, forgive yourself as He as forgiven you. Until next time, walk closely with Christ.