Forgive Yourself

Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” MARK 2:5 NLT 

Another common denominator found in many difficult circumstances and hardships is something we’ve done to cause or contribute to the pain around us. We are not exempt from producing anguish—through our words, our actions, and sometimes even our inactions—and we ourselves must wade through it in the aftermath. And as important as it is to forgive others for the wrong and hurt they’ve brought on us, it is as vital to forgive ourselves for the times when we are the source. 

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is allow the complete measure of healing that forgiveness brings into our burdened heart. Our memories are powerful—they will replay our actions over and over and continually highlight what we know we should have done differently. When this happens, there is, without a doubt, a reason to pause and remember that if the God of the universe is willing to forgive us, we must be willing to forgive ourselves as well. 

Father, I can’t stop thinking about how I would give anything to go back in time and undo the wrong I’ve caused. I just can’t seem to get past my mistakes and move on in true freedom. I ask for Your forgiveness, and I need Your help forgiving myself. Help me to hold on to the truth that as I claim Your forgiveness, I am set free from the bondage that unforgiveness can cause. Thank You for loving me to such depths that I cannot escape it.  

IN JESUS’ NAME. AMEN. 

This is an excerpt from Daily Prayers for Grieving Hearts – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.