Forgiving Yourself...

"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

Do you harbor something in your heart that keeps you from moving forward into a brighter future? Perhaps, you have done something that you continue to hold guilt about and thinking about it aggravates, frustrates, or even angers you? Maybe, you think someone else is still angry or resentful towards you for what you have done?

This weekend I became privy to something someone had done that bothered me greatly. I felt myself moving towards anger at them, when realistically it had nothing to do with me. But what I realized was the person had not truly dealt with the offense they had committed against someone else themselves. So, while their words were apologetic, their behavior did not appear to be so.

The key to forgiving ourselves begins with dealing with the wrong we have committed. Confessing our sins and being honest about our part in it will start the road to cleansing and healing. We pray and ask the Lord's forgiveness, but as the Scripture above states, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but we must do our part in letting go, also.

It doesn't end with us asking His forgiveness, but it is the beginning of the journey. It is important that you make amends with the person you have wronged and seek their forgiveness.

1. Take on self-responsibility and own your part in the wrongdoing. Search your heart to determine why you committed the offense in the first place. Once you're clear about that decipher if you really are sorry, or if you're simply sorry you were called out on your behaviors. Then turn from those behaviors or attitudes.
2. Be completely honest about what you have done and hold nothing back. When they ask questions, and they will, tell the truth now rather than allowing them to find out information from another source.
3. Be patient. Just because you get to a place of accepting the Lord's forgiveness and owning self-responsibility, understand that the other person may not be there yet. It may take time and space for their healing to begin, and you must respect their right to have that no matter how difficult it is for you. When they begin to ask questions, and they will, respect them enough to answer with a caring and considerate heart, not having bitterness in you because you don't want to relive it. When you hold that attitude it is nothing but guilt festering inside of you, and that's what the enemy wants. For you to be steeped in guilt, resentful towards the other party, and the relationship becomes further damaged to the point of ending.
4. Let go. Afterwards, you have to let it go. You cannot continue raking yourself over the coals allowing your soul and heart to be riddled with guilt. When He says that He forgives you, He means that and He wants you to forgive yourself, too.

Once you have forgiven yourself, begin to walk in your forgiveness. Have a loving and patient attitude towards the other person, and a repentant heart that allows you to change, but be free to be the best person you can. Do not continue trying to make up for what you have done, because you simply cannot.

It's time to be free, be healed, and live an abundant life because that is what Almighty God wants. Do not walk with your head down, burdened with guilt and shame. That's from the enemy, he wants to steal, kill, and destroy every good thing in your life. Don't give him the power. Separate yourself from the sin and the wrong, and walk in a life of redemption.

Release all of the guilt that has burdened you down like a ton of balloons. Let it go and be free! He has already won the battle. John 16:33 gives us encouragement: "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Is there someone you need to forgive or someone you need to receive forgiveness from. Reach out and have a conversation with them. Let the Lord open your heart for the process to start.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15.

About Chelle Ramsey...

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


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