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Author: WordTruth authors
Date: 01.11.2010
Category: Leadership Development, Evangelism Training, Scripture Engagement
Forgiving yourself is NOT a biblical perspective. That statement is often surprising in light of the avalanche of material that promotes the "need to forgive yourself." However, when there is no verse that even hints at the "need to forgive yourself," then believers should hesitate long and hard before accepting a viewpoint based only on human wisdom. Scripture clearly presents only two perspectives of forgiveness and "forgiving yourself" is not one of them. These two biblical perspectives, however, can bring great joy and freedom when they are understood and practiced. May we in the Body respond to God’s forgivness so that we will gratefully forgive others . . . this demonstration of God’s grace would be a powerful testimony to those both inside and outside the church.
Keywords: forgiving yourself, forgiveness, grace, natural wisdom, love, mercy, personal witness, integrity, leadership, leaders
Views: 5148
Comments: 8
Recommendations: 0
Conversation Post Comment
United States
Whether we have the ability to forgive ourselves or not, we have to admit that the presence of guilt is a reality that we must accept. Guilt affects us spiritually, emotionally, and mentally in a way that can make life a struggle. The thought of some of the self-imposed tribulation that afflicts us and others may cause us to analyze excessively. Often, we cannot release the guilt associated with our spiritual offenses. I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
23.04.2012
United States
I see the point that this article is making but I disagree on some points. It is true that once we are forgiven all of our sins are gone and never to return. However, forgiving oneself may be a way for cleansing and doing away with past guilt as a way to restart. Some sins are not easily forgotten and one may need to do such a thing to go forth in tier journey with Christ.
11.07.2011
United States
@ MzBoom:
The author’s intention merely states that humanity’s input has nothing to do with what God will do for you. We are forgiven regardless of whether or not we will, can, or cannot forgive ourselves for past/present sins. God has forgiven us--what more can humanity do?
14.07.2011
United States
@ MzBoom:
I agree the actual act of forgiving oneself is a cleanser. James 2:26 says, "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead" (NRSV). So sometimes people have to actual do the work of forgiving one self in order to heal.
16.07.2011
United States
@ MzBoom:
I see what you’re saying. If God forgives us, and I think that God does/will, then we have to understand ourselves as forgiven. Sometimes, people go through a lifetime with the past hanging over their heads; although God forgave them, and maybe even those they hurt forgave them, but the guilty person can’t let go of the action and move on. Biblical or not, it’s a healthy move--it’ll help somebody get the past behind him/her. Human wisdom can always be checked by Scripture, but we, as a human race, have produced some pretty profound ideas, and I don’t think we would necessarily have to give those up.
16.07.2011
United States
Cwest,
Thanks for touching on the Holy Spirit in reference to topic. The Holy Spirit is our guide, teacher, counselor, and comforter. Too many times in our Christaian walk we leave out the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that He had to go and that he would leave us with the Comforter. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to do the work in and thru us. The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. Will We let the Holy Spirit do his job?
16.07.2011
United States
I disagree with this article. From the experience I have came from, I think it is imperative that sometimes we do need to forgive ourselves in order to go on. Even as believers we can’t get passed the mistakes we have believers and sometime we just need to forgive ourselves and let it go. It sounds so easy being said but in the past I made mistakes that I knew were stupid ones, I couldn’t forgive myself although I prayed for forgiveness from God.
17.04.2011
United States
While we don’t have the power of salvation, the Holy Spirit inside of us does. We should not live in the past, or walk around with our head low. We need to be proud of our salvation and forgivness in Christ. Thoughts?
04.04.2011
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