Forgive Yourself

“When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13-14

We all have one thing in common - a past. For some, the memories are wholesome and happy. For many, the emotions connected with bygone events are raw and painful. Attempts to suppress emotional surges related to our past are ultimately futile. We do not forget easily, and even a slight current event can trigger the tremors of past hurts - child abuse, neglect by parents, rejection by a loved one, rebellious attitudes that adversely affected others.

The apostle Paul’s behavior before his conversation was checkered with hatred toward Christianity. Perhaps that is why he wrote so plainly and frequently on the priority of forgiveness, the only remedy for healing the wounds of damaged emotions.

The forgiveness that Christ has lavished upon us is ours to give to those individuals whose actions and words have pierced our soul. Do they deserve to be forgiven? Perhaps not. But do we deserve God’s forgiveness? Certainly not. We love and forgive as Christ loves and forgives us, a difficult task but the only sure cure for past pain.

Be sure to forgive yourself if the sore memories were self-inflicted. God forgives you completely. Simply receive it and stop the guilt trip in its tracks.