When we think of forgiving someone... is the person who comes to mind usually a family member, friend, co‑worker, or maybe a stranger that cut us off in traffic (or a worse offense). What about ourselves? I believe there are times when we need to forgive ourselves too.
Just to be clear, I am not referring to salvation forgiveness. Only Yeshua (Jesus) can do that because He paid the price for us. What I am talking about is the anger, shame, and remorse that lingers when we have done something we consider bad. It doesn't even have to be a sin, just something that we are "kicking" ourselves over.
Forgiveness has more benefits than just improved mental health, according to verywellmind.com...
"The act of forgiveness can also positively impact your physical health. Research shows that forgiveness can improve cholesterol levels, reduce bodily pain, and blood pressure, and lower your risk of a heart attack."
Have you ever been upset with yourself for something you did (or did not do)? If you actually did something wrong and you have asked for forgiveness from our Heavenly Father, then He has forgiven you. If someone else is affected, then you may need to seek forgiveness from them as well.
After that are you still angry with yourself? Then maybe you need to forgive yourself too. If the Creator of the universe has forgiven you, then who are you to not forgive yourself? He knows everything you have done, and even though He is perfect He still forgives you if you ask. So who are we to not forgive ourselves (or anyone else)?
Once you have made any necessary amends then learn from your mistake and move on. Also, focus on things that you have done right. Think about ways you have helped someone. This will help to take the focus off the mistake and help you realize you are not a "bad person"... you are simply human and have made mistakes.
Things you can do to help with the forgiving process:
Acknowledge what you have done. It doesn’t even have to be anything bad, but if you are beating yourself up about it, then acknowledge it.
A great example of this is Tiger Woods. He uses the 10-step rule. He allows himself ten steps to be angry about a bad shot he just made, then forgets about it. He only allows himself ten steps to be angry. Because if he didn’t, it would affect the next shot and probably the rest of the game.
Learn from your mistake. Some of the best inventions come from mistakes. Years ago my husband and I were working on a seasoning salt recipe to replace a name-brand seasoning that contained MSG which we were trying to get away from. We had a recipe we liked. Then one day I accidentally put in too much onion powder. To our surprise, we liked it better. This was a mistake I was glad I made. (Not all mistakes will have positive results, but we can learn from them all.)
Know that everyone makes mistakes. The only perfect person walked this earth about 2000 years ago. Also, don't let labels define you. Too many people label themselves (or others) something bad like “You are stupid” or "you're no good" or other such labels. This is harmful. Realize that you made a mistake. You are not a mistake. Yahweh knew you and still chose to make you.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
And before you were born I consecrated you;
I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5
If you are still struggling with forgiveness (for yourself or others) then give it to Yeshua and ask Him to help you. Or better yet, do this in the beginning before all the other steps. Don’t make reaching out to Yeshua the "last resort" option.
If you are gift shopping on the zazzle.com store I would very much appreciate you using this link (zazzle.com) here so I can get credit for any sale. Thank you.
(The images are public domain from pixabay.com.)
All scripture quotations taken from the NASB©.
Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
