New Leaf: Turning the PageSample

Forgiveness

A couple days ago we spoke about this journey being a process. Also, that we need to give ourselves some grace. Yesterday we spoke about laying aside the weight, and letting things go. Today I'd like to talk about another important part of the process. Forgiveness. Forgiving others is great, but it's nothing like forgiving yourself.

1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” So if God can give us grace and forgiveness. Why can't we forgive ourselves?

If I can be transparent, I caused a lot of harm to myself. Growing up, I was bullied a lot, which caused me to hate myself, the way I looked, and have very low self-esteem. I internalized everything that was being said about me, to the point I didn't want to live anymore. So I used to cut myself and try inflict as much pain as I could on myself. In some kind of way, I thought that was the solution to my problem.

When God opened my eyes to see where I could potentially end up. I dropped to my knees, and prayed that God would forgive me. All the while, I didn't even realize that was only half of the process. I needed to forgive myself in order to heal and move on.

Sometimes we allow our circumstances and surroundings, to put us into cycles without even knowing it. In order to break that cycle, you have to address it and forgive yourself.

Prayer: God I thank you for your grace and mercy. I realize and know that I'm not perfect. I thank you for your forgiveness. Help me to forgive the pain that I may have caused myself. In Jesus name, amen.