The Power of Self-Forgiveness
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Repent, therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.”
For Christians, forgiveness is a genuine call from God. Theologians for centuries have written millions of pages of statements on the concept of forgiveness. I am willing to bet over 90% of those discussions on forgiveness dealt with forgiving other people. Sadly, Christianity has not spent enough time instructing its followers on the necessity of forgiving oneself.
I turn to Nick Wignall for assistance in addressing the critical issue of self-forgiveness through his article, “3 Psychological Principles to Help You Forgive Yourself and Move On.” Wignall’s first psychological principle is “Validate your bad decision compassionately.” Scripture teaches us that Jesus expounded divine, infinite grace and mercy. God wants to forgive you. Yet, so often, our unwillingness to forgive ourselves gets in the way of our renewal. The only way to face our own mistakes fully and honestly is when we know God’s forgiveness is there for us.
Wignall’s second principle of self-forgiveness is, “Just because you have a thought doesn’t mean you need to keep thinking it.” You cannot hear God’s voice of forgiveness while your inner voice is screaming condemnation. Once you have gone through honest repentance, let go of your self-abuse. You can learn from your mistakes without having to continue beating yourself. Finally, “Forgiveness is about control of your attention and your behavior.” Once you are forgiven by God and by yourself, you can focus on more beneficial actions in your life. Self-abuse keeps you from being productive.
Today, take time to listen to any abusive self-talk. What is causing it? What is it you are unwilling to forgive in others and yourself? Go to Scripture and prayer to seek God’s grace and mercy. Then, believe what the Bible and the Holy Spirit are telling you. Trust God enough to forgive yourself and begin again. We will let ourselves and others down again. Beating ourselves to inaction does not help God or bring joy to those around us. We have so much more to give others, God, and ourselves when we feel accepted.
