Grace like Rain

*Devotion by Cindy

Do you need to forgive yourself of something??? Grab a cup of coffee….this is a tough subject!!

Maybe you caused direct harm to another person…maybe you lied… maybe you betrayed someone who trusted you…maybe you lost your temper and said very hurtful things…maybe you belittled or humiliated yourself or someone else…..maybe you stole something…maybe you cheated…maybe you broke a promise…maybe you emotionally or physically abused someone…

It is only after we have gone through a process of deep self examination that we might begin the journey of allowing transformation, which could then set the stage for self-forgiveness. I guess the bottom line is: only if we can determine that we need to forgive ourselves for something, will it be possible for us to even attempt it.

So, what are some things we need to do to begin that journey? One thing is that we have to learn our limitations and pitfalls. That means we have to confront ourselves and recognize that our inflated sense of self might be what is getting in our own way. Do we acknowledge and realize sometimes how VERY ruinous some of our personality traits and actions might be? When we do the hard work to unveil and reveal our own limitations, it starts a path of opportunity to be HONEST….and HONESTY is the essential action of any true personal change, including self-forgiveness.

To accomplish self-forgiveness, we must put away self-destructive emotional weapons, such as guilt and shame. Another factor in self-forgiveness is taking the appropriate amount of responsibility, and then doing the work that will lead to “letting it go”. We sometimes find it easier to forgive OTHERS, because we can make excuses for them, or pretend they meant no harm. For some reason, when it comes to self-forgiveness, excuses seem much more difficult to mount. While we need to find a way to hold ourselves accountable, and to take full responsibility for our actions, we also need to find a way to not continue to allow our past transgressions to be converted into self-directed weapons. While we need to find a way to be honest and admit our wrongdoings, we also need to gain insight into these poor decisions, confess them, make true and lasting changes, and then proceed with a transformed heart on a new path.

Learning to self-forgive is to transcend the pit of despair and rise to compassion and empathy. I think self-forgiveness is a choice that will bring peace, deep joy, relief, unconditional love, true ownership, and a sense of power over one’s health and well-being.

So, do you need to forgive yourself? Do you WANT to have peace, deep joy, relief, unconditional love, true ownership, and a sense of power you’re your health and well-bring?? Then today is the day to start the wonderful journey!

Make it a great week, praising God from whom all blessings flow, especially the blessing of being free of guilt and shame through self-forgiveness.

*I hope you found this devo interesting and can shed light on your own hearts battles.

Try out this quiz! Palindrome word pairs :)