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How To Forgive Ourselves
David Davis
Matthew 18:22-35
Forgiveness is based on the atoning work of the Cross -- and not on anything we do. God's forgiveness does not depend on our confession, nor does His fellowship. We are not forgiven as long as we ''feel'' forgiven.
Our relationship with God is not restored by confession (because it was never broken); rather, our sense of fellowship with God is restored. When we sin, we withdraw our fellowship with God; He does not withdraw His fellowship from us.
Forgiveness is ours forever as believers. The moment we received Him as Saviour, He became our life. But our capacity to enjoy forgiveness -- our capacity to enjoy a clean conscience -- is based on our willingness to acknowledge and confess that sin.
Perhaps your unforgiving spirit is not directed toward God or someone else -- but toward yourself. You must be willing to forgive yourself.
Psalm 103:10-14 - ''He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is to the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
There are some consequences if you choose not to forgive yourself.
1. Self-Punishment
How do we do that? We replay our sins continually in our minds. We even replay the feeling of guilt. No place in the Bible does it say that He has forgiven us of all our sins ''except...'' You choose to live in a state of bondage that is self-imposed. Jesus paid it.
2. Uncertainty
No peace -- no contentment - v. 10
3. Sense of Unworthiness
Because we are guilty -- we feel unworthy. Satan encourages guilt trips. He may inject:
''Why should God answer your prayer?''
''He's not going to hear you -- why should He -- look what you've done!''
This sense ...
David Davis
Matthew 18:22-35
Forgiveness is based on the atoning work of the Cross -- and not on anything we do. God's forgiveness does not depend on our confession, nor does His fellowship. We are not forgiven as long as we ''feel'' forgiven.
Our relationship with God is not restored by confession (because it was never broken); rather, our sense of fellowship with God is restored. When we sin, we withdraw our fellowship with God; He does not withdraw His fellowship from us.
Forgiveness is ours forever as believers. The moment we received Him as Saviour, He became our life. But our capacity to enjoy forgiveness -- our capacity to enjoy a clean conscience -- is based on our willingness to acknowledge and confess that sin.
Perhaps your unforgiving spirit is not directed toward God or someone else -- but toward yourself. You must be willing to forgive yourself.
Psalm 103:10-14 - ''He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is to the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
There are some consequences if you choose not to forgive yourself.
1. Self-Punishment
How do we do that? We replay our sins continually in our minds. We even replay the feeling of guilt. No place in the Bible does it say that He has forgiven us of all our sins ''except...'' You choose to live in a state of bondage that is self-imposed. Jesus paid it.
2. Uncertainty
No peace -- no contentment - v. 10
3. Sense of Unworthiness
Because we are guilty -- we feel unworthy. Satan encourages guilt trips. He may inject:
''Why should God answer your prayer?''
''He's not going to hear you -- why should He -- look what you've done!''
This sense ...
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