The Futility of Forgiving Yourself

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.