Self Forgiveness
I titled this entry self forgiveness because it was something I’ve been trying to do for so long, and I’ve just come to the realization that forgiving myself is impossible to do. I’m pretty sure there are plenty of people out there walking around with pain and shame and guilt upon their hearts because of something they have done in the past. These people may or may not be believers of God, but if they are they have already asked God for forgiveness and He has forgiven them, but they have come to some notion that now they must forgive themselves?
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
From what I’ve studied I have discovered that there is no where in God’s Word that we are to practice “self forgiveness.” For one it is impossible, and 2 it’s like us trying to be higher than God. We are to confess our sins and forgive one another so that God will forgive us, but we aren’t suppose to try to forgive ourselves.
So why do will feel so condemned even after we’ve asked God to forgive us? He’s forgiven us already so why do we still feel the guilt, shame and pain? The reason is because we are lacking faith. We are lacking faith that God has actually forgiven us and forgotten our transgressions. If you really think about it, those things that you have done in your past and have repented of and asked forgiveness for, do you really believe it in your heart that God has forgiven you? If you still feel shameful, and guilty, then no you haven’t.
I know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He was the perfect sacrifice, the perfect lamb. He paved the way for us to be forgiven and have everlasting life. God loved us this much that he gave his only son to die for our sins. If you believe Jesus died for your sins, have faith that your sins are forgiven. All you have to do is confess your sins, ask for forgiveness, and believe and have faith that God has forgiven you. This is something I must learn to do and this is something many others must learn to do also.
I know this may sound all preachy and such, but this is a real life situation. This is something that I’ve been dealing with and I am sure many others are dealing with the same issue. I searched for an answer to why I still felt guilty and full of pain due to my past decisions even though I asked God to forgive me and now I know why and what I must do to get passed it. I only wanted to share this answer with my readers whom may or may not be dealing with the same issues. I hope this can help some of you. 
For more information about this: http://www.crcna.org/pages/denhaan_rom3.cfm
I think you can only live your life by moving forward, to dwell on past issues only leads to depression as one cannot change the past. Re-joice in what you can do today, and try and make every contact with people a good experience for you and them – both love ones, friends and strangers.
Nina
Forgiving yourself is not playing god, it’s necessary. The ultimate purging of sin is that you find salvation through your self in tandem with something higher (not just one or the other).
To elaborate, forgoing self forgiveness is to carry burden. To carry burden is sticking to pasthood. If we’re stuck in pasthood, we cannot grow truly in spirit or otherwise. Then, to not forgive oneself is harboring sin. Thereby there is no salvation, because self-forgiveness is the final stage of atonement. Once atoned, we achieve harmony with God, and that’s salvation.
At least, I find that to be less ambiguous and more practical than any scriptures.
I think that in order for anyone to seek forgiveness from God, they must first seek it within themselves. Realizing that we’re only human and we make mistakes is one of the first steps. I’m learning that I can’t always be regretful or shameful of my past but to learn from it because some things in our lives are lessons. In that way, we can easily forgive ourselves, so that once we ask God for forgiveness, we will feel redeemed.
I will admit that I am not all that religious (but I’m working on my spirituality… something’s come over me as of late and I think it’s time for me to better my relationship w/ God), but I definitely do not believe that we are not supposed to forgive ourselves. I feel like it’s a must- it’s a necessity. If you don’t forgive yourself, you’re always going to harbor ill feelings and remain stuck in the past. You have to let go of certain things in order to move forward. Like Shannon said, I think this comes before seeking forgiveness in God. Idk, when I think about it… seeking forgiveness in God before you seek forgiveness in yourself doesn’t seem like true forgiveness.
Quote: “Forgiveness is meant to be an act of love between persons rather than within one’s own self. Self-forgiveness is just one more symptom of humanistic self-love, and self-condemnation is just one more symptom of self as god.”
It does not state no where in the Bible to practice self forgiveness. I believe when you still feel condemned by past mistakes after asking for forgiveness from Him, it is because you are lacking faith that He has forgave you.
I think it’s possible to forgive yourself of a wrongdoing. I also think it is a necessity to forgive yourself and to ask God for forgiveness. They go hand in hand. God knows your heart. If you’re sincerely asking for forgiveness, he will also help you if you’re having trouble forgiving yourself.
That’s the problem exactly. No faith. But at the same time as human being we will feel. You always hear “leave it in gods’ hands” but it doesn’t mean that we are all able to forget the thought stop the creeping up nightmares.
Thank you!
It’s about time someone see’s my point in this article.