How can I forgive myself?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I've hurt lots of people over the years, and I'm haunted by all the damage I've done. Maybe God could forgive me if He wanted to, but I'll never be able to forgive myself. I wish I could go back and change things, but I can't. -- S.McD.
A: The most important thing you need to know is that God not only could forgive you -- but He wants to forgive you! He loves you, and He doesn't want you to go through life carrying a burden of guilt and shame and broken relationships.
And that's why God has done everything possible to make your forgiveness a reality. Yes, you have sinned; you have sinned against others, and most of all you have sinned against God. We often downplay the seriousness of sin -- but sin is serious, because it cuts us off from others and from God. And we all are guilty, whether we feel it or not. The Bible warns, "There is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10).
But God has provided the way for us to be forgiven -- and that way is Jesus Christ. He was without sin, for He was God -- but on the cross all our sins were placed on Him, and He took upon Himself the judgment and Hell that we deserve. Now we can be forgiven -- freely and fully -- by putting our faith and trust in Him. Why not ask Him to forgive you today?
Then ask God to help you forgive yourself. You can't forget what you've done -- but if God has taken away your sins, why act as if they were still there? And if you need to ask others to forgive you, let them know you now belong to Christ, and you're sorry for what you've done and you hope they'll forgive you.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
