A gift from God and a gift to oneself

I sometimes struggle with forgiveness, more than I care to admit actually. I recently found myself in a space where I needed to forgive myself and it was a real struggle for me. Though I could sense God had already forgiven me, I had all kinds of thoughts about it. I knew to do better and so I thought I should have done better. I also kept getting stuck on how I was to turn it around, make things right. How was I to turn it around 🤔?

Well, because of Jesus, this is something that I didn’t have to worry about or try to figure out or do on my own! If it sounds so simple then that’s because it is that simple. See, Jesus died for us and exchanged his righteousness for our sin, taking on our shortcomings and giving us his right standing with God. That means when I fall short, I don’t have to carry the weight of guilt or shame.

I don’t have to turn it around on my own. I can accept the forgiveness given so freely; I can freely grant forgiveness to others too. I can rely on Christ. This is an area I’m continuing to grow in 🙂 I have noticed that I sometimes still try to rely on my own wisdom, my own ability. For example, I think to myself that I can only forgive or be forgiven when it’s deserved – when amends have been made or remorse has been shown or a change has been demonstrated.

Yet Christ died for us whilst we were still sinners. God does not wait until we’re deserving before he shows us grace and mercy, before he forgives us. It is a gift paid for at a high price and freely given. Be aware that it doesn’t mean we get to squander that gift carelessly though. We don’t act recklessly just because we know we’re already forgiven. It calls for greater responsibility.

Greater responsibility yet it’s a weight off the shoulders. I feel free! I feel renewed! I do not have to carry the burden of guilt and shame. I do not have to rely on my own strength to forgive someone who wrongs me. Do you need forgiveness today? It’s a gift waiting for you to accept. Need to forgive someone? You already have everything you need to do so in Christ. Just ask him and be set free from “un-forgiveness”. 💛🌼

Love,