It's Time to Forgive Yourself - Daughters of the Creator

Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.

Philippians 4:13

Many of us struggle with the things we’ve done in the past that we can’t change. It could be broken relationships with family members or friends. It could be missed opportunities in school and work that can’t be redone. It could be sins that we’ve committed that have hurt other people and caused much pain. When we live under this constant regret and guilt about things we can’t change—we miss out on the life that God still has for us to live. At some point, we need to forgive ourselves and move forward.

This isn’t easy because the consequences and condemnation continues to meet us every day. It impacts our ability to freely trust God and step out in faith. Primarily because we don’t feel worthy and we don’t want to make the same mistakes over again. However, life is too short and we still have a calling on our lives. It’s time to F.O.R.G.I.V.E. ourselves:

F – Focus on God more than anyone or anything else.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:20)

O – Open up and confess your sins to God and others.
“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)

R – Release the past.
“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13)”

G – Go live your life with purpose and direction from God.
But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. (Ecclesiastes 9:4)

I – Infiltrate your heart and mind with the word of God.
Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. (Psalm 119:97)

V – Value yourself the way that God does.
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)

E – Expect consequences from the past, but don’t allow yourself to drown in the regret.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)