Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. Paul Boese

One of the hardest things that man can do is to forgive others for the hurtful things that they have done in the past. Even more difficult for many, surprisingly, is the ability to forgive one's self. There are a lot of reasons for this seeming phenomenon, but I believe one of the biggest reasons is that we have a higher opinion of ourselves than we do of others.

We think things like, "I wish John hadn't done that to me, but that's just John", or, "I can't believe that Mary did that awful thing, but what else can you expect from Mary?" But, when it comes to us, we are often stunned at our own shortcomings. We all have many things that we have done in the past that we are not particularly proud of, but then there are those really terrible sins that we still bring to mind because we just cannot let them go. Often times we cannot believe that we have done such horrible things because "we are we" and we are just not that kind of people. So we end up asking God to forgive a sin that we have already sought forgiveness for on many, many occasions. It's like continuing to make payments on your home after the mortgage has already been paid in full: Rational people just don't do such things. But even though we know this, we just can't help asking forgiveness for that "really big sin" every time it comes to mind.

So, when we have committed some terrible sin (and some sin does have greater earthly consequences than others) we just refuse to let it go. Sometimes we will be having a great day and then, out of nowhere, the memory of this awful thing comes back to haunt us. And... we cheat ourselves out of the quality of life that God desires for each of His beloved children because we simply fail to forgive ourselves.

If this is you, then ask yourself these questions: 1)"Am I a Christian?" If so, then your sins were washed away by the same baptism that made you a Christian. 2) "Have I repented of my sins and asked God and the people I hurt for forgiveness?" If so, your sins were forgiven! So - let it go! I know that this seems too simple, but this is exactly what the Bible teaches.

The peace that passes all understanding is available to all of God's children - even those who unfaithfully went astray but later came back on God's terms. It is true that some sins have continuing consequences while we are on this earth (Like getting drunk and having an accident that leaves you paralyzed) but the eternal consequences are removed the moment God forgives you. So again, if you have sought forgiveness for even the most vile of sins and you have done it on God's terms, then you are forgiven. So release yourself from your self imposed prison of guilt and forgive yourself as well. Then, and only then, will you begin to live the life that God has called you to. It will not change the past, but it will most certainly enhance your future!

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. I Timothy 1:15-16, NIV