Biblical Answer

The Problem of Self-Forgiveness

Self-forgiveness is a complex issue that many people struggle with. While it is true that God forgives us, we often find it difficult to forgive ourselves. This is because self-forgiveness requires humility, which is a challenging virtue to cultivate. As Christian friend, Jim, pointed out, asking for forgiveness is a hard and humbling process. It requires us to acknowledge our mistakes, take responsibility for our actions, and seek redemption.

The Connection between Forgiving and Being Forgiven

The Bible teaches us that forgiveness is closely tied to being forgiven. In fact, the process of forgiveness is reciprocal. When we forgive others, we are reminded of God's forgiveness in our own lives. As Christian friend said, "Forgiveness, I'm convinced, is so unnatural an act that it takes practice to perfect it." This is because forgiveness requires us to let go of our resentment and anger towards others, and to seek reconciliation. In order to forgive ourselves, we must first understand the connection between our forgiving and being forgiven. We must recognize that God's forgiveness covers both guilt and shame, and that it is available to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.

The Key to Self-Forgiveness

So, how can we find self-forgiveness? The key is to understand that God's forgiveness is not dependent on our ability to forgive ourselves. In fact, God's forgiveness is available to us regardless of our past mistakes or failures. As 1 John 1:7 says, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." This means that no matter what we have done, God will forgive us. Therefore, we must focus on seeking God's forgiveness and accepting it, rather than trying to forgive ourselves. By doing so, we can experience the freedom and peace that comes with knowing that we are forgiven, and that we are loved and accepted by God.