Biblical Answer

The Difficulty of Forgiving Ourselves

Forgiving ourselves can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to not being able to pay taxes on time. The guilt and shame we feel can be overwhelming, making it difficult to move forward. However, as Christians, we know that forgiveness is not just about forgiving others, but also about forgiving ourselves. The Bible teaches us that our new identity springs from the realization that Jesus forgives us (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means that our forgiveness is not based on our own ability to let ourselves off the hook, but rather on the fact that Jesus has already forgiven us.

The Cycle of Forgiveness

To forgive ourselves, we need to complete the cycle of forgiveness. This involves acknowledging the pain we've been avoiding, turning around and facing down our history, and taking responsibility for our past actions. This can be a difficult process, but it's essential for healing and moving forward. As the Bible says, "You will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny" (Matthew 5:26). This means that we need to confront our past and make things right with God and others. By doing so, we can cancel the debt of guilt and shame that has been weighing us down.

Practicing Forgiveness

So, how do we practice forgiveness in this context? First, we need to acknowledge the debt we owe to God and others. This means making a list of the people who have mistreated or taken advantage of us and taking responsibility for our past actions. Then, we need to pray for those people and ask God to forgive us for our part in the situation. As we pray, we need to focus on the truth that our debt has been canceled, not just because we've forgiven ourselves, but because Jesus has already forgiven us. By doing so, we can experience relief from the guilt and shame that has been holding us back, and we can move forward with a newfound sense of freedom and peace. As the Bible says, "You are worth forgiving" (Luke 15:24). So, let's agree with God and forgive ourselves, and then take our current circumstances and use them as an opportunity to grow and become more like Christ.