We've all had different things in our lives we wish we had never done. Often these things cause us sadness as we are reminded about them, while different things can cause so much heartache we can barely live with what we have done and we find it is difficult, if not impossible, to excuse ourselves for it. Perhaps you know what I'm talking about. You are so ashamed of your actions that youve done that you can't comprehend you could or should excuse yourself. Instead, you're feeling all you can do is take the remainder of your life paying penance for it, in hopes that will take away the overpowering burden of guilt you live with every day.
Without regard for your past evildoing, you can be released from the responsibility you now carry, caused by your unwillingness to forgive yourself. You could have asked the forgiveness of God for what you have done, but if you have failed to excuse yourself, you may remain in a place of defeat, even bondage, until you decide to obey the Word of God and forgive yourself.
Frequently when we look at the original meaning and desire of of a word, we will be able to better know how to apply it to our lives. This is true as we look at the Greek word for forgiveness that means to free fully, i.e. Literally relieve, release, dismiss or let die, pardon, divorce from, depart, dismiss, let go, loose, put ( send ) away, release, set at liberty.
To anyone who may ask, God gives His gift of forgiveness, meaning; He fully frees, releases, dismisses and pardons us from the debt and guilt of our transgressions. He sets us "body, soul and spirit" at freedom. However, he does not stop there. Our Heavenly Father then tells us to pardon others, as well as forgiving ourselves, in the same way we have been forgiven, promising to give us the ability, by God's Spirit, to do so.
How does one go about actually pardoning themselves? There's no formula but the following thoughts might be useful.
First, understand that one has to make the choice to excuse ones self primarily based on God's Word to do so. Forgiveness is a choice and an act of the will is important to make it happen.
Leviticus 19:18 claims you shall love your neighbor as yourself... Loving yourself is a command of God and love always carries with it forgiveness.
Next, if you haven't already asked, ask your Heavenly Father to pardon you for the wrongs you have done. It is vital to do that before working through forgiving yourself. Remember, He's waiting to excuse you and will graciously do hence if you only ask Him.
Nehemiah 9:17 But you are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness.
Then, sit down quietly with God and ask His Holy Spirit to reveal to you the things that you've not let go of or given yourself forgiveness for. Jot it all down on a notepad. Be certain and put down all of the specifics list the names of individuals you hurt and the ways in which you caused them harm. ( Nobody will see this paper. )
From there be honest and express how you're feeling due to what you did; Are you indignant at yourself? Are you feeling embarrassed? Unworthy? Be particularly truthful, for God knows it all already. This is the best place to release all of the emotions you have carried or attempted to deny.
Now, take the decision to excuse yourself as God has forgiven you. Literally release, dismiss, let die, pardon, let go, loose, put ( send ) away, release and set yourself at liberty from the incorrect you are guilty of. Put your evil-doing into His hands and ask Him to cure your emotional injuries and permit you to go on without regrets, let go of the past and start fresh!
Eventually destroy your list and throw it in the trashcan as a visible reminder that the guilt of what you have done has been forgiven and carried away, gone forever.
Now, go and experience the healing, peace and freedom that's yours to enjoy as you praise God for His power of forgiveness.
To learn more about pursing a relationship with God and experiencing His love that will that will lead you to a life of freedom click on: How To Forgive Yourself
To watch our video click on: How To Forgive Yourself
