In Touch - May 28, 2007

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Published May 25, 2007

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

May 28, 2007 – Obstacles to Forgiving Ourselves – Psalms 51:10-12

Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.

Every human being has a sin problem. We all lose our tempers, make mistakes, and do things that seem completely out of character. Sin is a universal problem. But God provided forgiveness for everyone who’ll accept it. Why do many believers find it impossible to forgive themselves?

First, we struggle with self-forgiveness at times because we find it difficult to accept God’s forgiveness. Guilt can be so strong that it may seem to overshadow the enormous gift of pardon and restoration that God freely provides. We may think our past actions are so terrible that God would never forgive us. That’s a tragic error.

Second, personal disappointment can prevent us from forgiving ourselves. We often have ridiculously high, self-imposed standards for our behavior and accomplishments. When we fail to achieve them, we’re all but crippled by disappointment. This makes self-forgiveness seem impossible.

Third, seeing the results of our sin can block self-forgiveness. If our wrong actions produce tangible negative consequences, we may become so blinded by the result that we can’t forgive ourselves. Seeing the outcome of sin every day keeps guilt alive in our minds. As a result, we may simply refuse to let it go.

Are you harboring guilt and remorse for past sin? First John 1:9 says God’s forgiveness is available now. Christ gave His life to make you free. Take Galatians 5:1 to heart. Don’t willingly stay in chains because you’re unwilling to forgive yourself for something God has already forgiven.

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