Short Answers

September 25, 2023

Many feel that they accept God’s forgiveness and others’ forgiveness, but they can’t forgive themselves. When we can’t forgive ourselves, it’s like we can’t totally accept God’s forgiveness either. If we still hold our failings against ourselves and punish ourselves for our mistakes, we are filled with guilt and shame. So the question is: How do I forgive myself?

The short answer is that the pride of our unhealthy ego prevents self-forgiveness, so if we dismiss our pride, we can forgive ourselves. In getting rid of our pride, we accept that our shortfalls are not so special that we are above forgiving ourselves. Guilt and shame are products of pride.The unhealthy ego does not understand that to forgive ourselves requires humility. However, once we claim our humanity, we remember that we are no more or less than anyone else, therefore we can forgive ourselves.

Inquiry: What do you still hold against yourself?

Dear God,

Free me from my pride that makes my mistakes bigger than others’. Let me see myself through your eyes that I am forgivable and please make me aware of my humility that will enable me to accept my forgiveness.

Amen.

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