As Christians, why is it so hard for us to forgive ourselves? This is the journey my character Olivia goes through in my first novel, Falling for Texas.
I love this quote from my pastor, Mark Bates: “Christ, the faithful savior, died for unfaithful sinners. We don’t ask him to forgive us because we’re good. It’s because we’re His. Because He is faithful.”
What grace in these words. What relief. He is faithful when we are not. We don’t deserve grace or forgiveness and cannot earn it. It’s because Christ first loved us. Because he is faithful.
I’m so grateful He’s a trustworthy God.
Here’s a quote from Falling for Texas:
“Forgiveness can change those wounds from bleeding and throbbing to an ache that heals over time.”
Sometimes the person we need to forgive most is ourselves. We’re full of grace for others, but we hold ourselves to a higher standard.
What are you holding on to?
My prayer for you today is that you break free from the thing that’s been holding you captive and fly into the freedom He offers each of us.
In Others’ Words: Why is it sometimes easier to forgive others, but not ourselves? Do you have a favorite quote or Scripture about forgiveness?
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Jill Lynn lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children who make her laugh on a daily basis. She writes the kind of stories she likes to read—ones filled with humor, grace, and happily ever after. Jill does far more dancing in the kitchen with her family than she does cooking, and she has a thing for coffee, books, boots, and 
thrift stores. Connect with her at Jill-Lynn.com or on social media @JillLynnAuthor. Other ways to connect with Jill:
Comments 4
What a beautiful post, Jill! And yes, it is far easier for me to forgive others than it is to forgive myself. I can give them grace, but for myself? Sometimes it’s hard because I know my failings. I know where I fall short. I know the ugly inside of me. And why would anyone be able to forgive that?
God is slowly reminding me that I can’t hold myself to a higher standard than He does. If He says I’m forgiven, who am I to not accept it for myself? I’m learning that accepting His forgiveness, His grace, brings freedom from the lies I’m so prone to believe about myself.
Jeanne, thank you for commenting. And yes, I’m so with you. Giving grace to others is so much easier than giving grace to ourselves! I’m praying for those reading this today, that we’ll all learn to accept forgiveness that’s already been granted. (Easier said than done!) 🙂
I think it’s harder to forgive ourselves because only we know how far we’ve fallen. When we forgive others, it’s being kind. When we don’t forgive ourselves often it’s because we don’t think we’ve punished ourselves enough. We just can’t let it go. And of course there is the one who keeps whispering that in our ear.
We have to look at it from Jesus’ perspective–He died for that sin, to not forgive ourselves is making his sacrifice cheap. And that’s my 2 cents worth. 🙂
I am always looking for forgiveness! Sounds like a book I need to read