The Freedom of Forgiveness

“The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they said to Him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?’ They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.’” John 8:3-11

Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in adultery is a timeless marvel of divine love and forgiveness. But what would have become of His forgiveness if the woman had left without fully receiving and experiencing Christ’s healing love? What if she never forgave herself as Christ did? Would she ever have ever known the miraculous freedom of forgiveness?

Jesus has forgiven us of all sin. He tells us to forgive others a Christ forgives us (Eph. 4:32). If Jesus forgives you, and He asks you to freely extend His forgiveness to those who offend you, is there any reason why you cannot forgive yourself?

You must be able to forgive yourself is you are to truly enjoy the liberation that God’s forgiveness brings. Perhaps you have done something very bad. There is no sin God does not forgive; and therefore, there is no sin that should imprison you.

All forgiveness, including forgiving self, is founded on the solid ground of the cross. To deny yourself forgiveness is to try to obstruct God’s holy love. Don’t wallow any longer in self-pity or guilt that unforgiveness can beget. Fully receive God’s love by forgiving yourself. God has a wonderful plan for your life, and it does not include self condemnation.

“We are unable to love others because we have not learned to love ourselves.” -Walter Trobisch