Biblical Answer

Forgiving ourselves when we fail is essential for several reasons. Firstly, forgiveness does not change whatever weakness led to the failure. It can set punishment aside, but character is a question of behavior whether you get punished or not. This means that we must take responsibility for our actions and not make excuses for our failures. Secondly, forgiving ourselves can help us to break free from guilt and shame that can become a discouraging vicious cycle, leading to relapses. According to Calvin, "sorrow they experienced was not useless remorse without any corresponding action to rectify the situation" (p. 98). This implies that our feelings of guilt and shame can be a catalyst for change, but only if we take action to rectify the situation. Lastly, forgiving ourselves can help us to develop a sense of self-compassion and self-forgiveness, which is essential for personal growth and healing.

The Bible teaches us that forgiveness is an act of self-defense, a tourniquet that stops the fatal bleeding of resentment. When we forgive ourselves, we are not excusing our behavior, but rather taking responsibility for it. This is in line with the principle that "we must forgive because an unforgiving spirit can poison our soul" (Calvin, p. 98). Furthermore, when we forgive ourselves, we can confidently appeal to a merciful God, who has forgiven us past, present, and future (Hendriksen). This helps us to understand that forgiveness is not a one-way street, but rather a two-way street, where we forgive ourselves and others, and are forgiven by God.

Forgiving ourselves when we fail is not easy, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and healing. It requires practice and commitment, and we may need to renew our commitment to forgive when feelings of resentment or bitterness well up within us. As Jesus has forgiven us past, present, and future, we can forgive ourselves and others, and be forgiven by God. By forgiving ourselves, we can break free from guilt and shame, develop a sense of self-compassion and self-forgiveness, and become more like Christ. Remember, "you are only a failure when you give up and refuse to try again" (Calvin, p. 98). By forgiving ourselves and trying again, we can overcome our failures and become more like Christ.