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When we do something wrong it can be hard for us to forgive ourselves. We’re our harshest critics and even though others may have forgiven us, we still hold onto the wrongdoing and beat ourselves up. Repentance is important when we’ve done something wrong, but the Bible also has reminders for us that we should learn from our mistakes and most importantly, move on.
God Is Forgiving
God is ever-forgiving and he is the first to forgive us of our sins and trespasses. God reminds us that we must learn to forgive one another and learn.
1 John 1:9
"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."
This verse explains that if we acknowledge Jesus as our savior and ask him for forgiveness, He will purify us of our sins and forgive. We must confess in order to be forgiven.
Colossians 3:13
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Colossians 3:13 reminds us of the benevolence of the Lord. We must practice His kindness and forgive as He has forgiven us.
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Jesus Christ died for all of our sins. Therefore, there is no punishment for his believers, but the judgment that Christ faced on the cross.
If You Are Forgiven, You May Forgive Yourself
Forgiveness allows us to be free. It is not just a gift that we can give to others. Although we consider self-forgiveness a benefit to solely ourselves, it actually frees us to be better people through God.
Ephesians 4:32
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
One of the most important values of Christianity is to treat your neighbor kindly. This verse emphasizes that hate has no place in the eyes of God.
Luke 7:47
"I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love."
In order to be whole, one must wholeheartedly forgive. If you have an argument with a loved one and say you forgive them, but if you have not truly forgiven them, you will not be able to receive all of the love they have to offer, and vice versa.
Mark 11:25
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses."
Mark 11:25 notes that if you have sinned and wish to be forgiven, then you must also forgive those who have wronged you.
