Biblical Answer

The Difficulty of Forgiving Ourselves

The question of forgiving oneself is a complex and challenging issue, especially when it comes to past mistakes or wrongdoings. The inability to forgive oneself can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and despair, which can be overwhelming and debilitating. The Bible teaches us that God forgives us freely and completely, and that His forgiveness is available to us through faith in Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7). However, the process of forgiving ourselves is a different matter altogether. It requires a willingness to acknowledge our mistakes, take responsibility for them, and let go of our self-blame and guilt.

The Nature of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is an act of self-defense, a way to stop the fatal bleeding of resentment and bitterness. It takes practice to perfect it, but it is an essential part of living a life of faith and trust in God. When we forgive ourselves, we are not condoning our mistakes or excusing our wrongdoing, but rather releasing ourselves from the burden of guilt and shame. This process involves acknowledging our mistakes, taking responsibility for them, and seeking to make amends whenever possible. It also involves asking for forgiveness from others when necessary, and being willing to forgive others when they have wronged us.

Seeking God's Help in Forgiveness

The Bible teaches us that seeking God's help is essential in the process of forgiveness. When we are struggling to forgive ourselves, we should pray for God's help and guidance. We should ask God to reveal to us His forgiveness and love, and to help us to see ourselves through His eyes. We should also seek out Christian friends and mentors who can offer us guidance and support in the process of forgiveness. By seeking God's help and guidance, we can learn to forgive ourselves and others, and to live a life of freedom and joy in Christ. As the Bible says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).