Thought for Today: “Uncomplicating Forgiveness”

Why do we make the forgiveness process so hard upon ourselves? We go around defeated and deflated because we haven’t yet forgiven ourselves. And therein lies the problem. We can’t forgive ourselves. It isn’t in our power. It’s a power that belongs to God alone.

This is something that the Pharisees got right, at least as far as it goes. Concerning what Jesus said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you,” they reasoned, “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7)

What they failed to realize is that Jesus is God and thus had the power to forgive.

Only God can forgive our sins. When we forgive ourselves, were trying to do what only God can do. And so instead of finding relief, peace, and joy, we only find ourselves falling deeper into depression and despair.

What can we do? Accept the forgiveness of God.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

So quit holding yourself back by trying to be what you were never meant to be – God.