| “I find it difficult to forgive myself”. This is a common statement on the lips and minds of many believers. One major reason for this is because for most of the quagmire we fall into, we remembered what the Word said about that situation or had a nudging from God about it but decided to press the “ignore” button. The other day I went to an office and wanted to park my car under a nice shade. I had a strong nudging not to do so, but I felt, what could happen to my car in such a serene environment? When I returned few hours later, I saw a massive dent at the back of my car and the first thing that came to my mind was … I knew it! He warned me but I wouldn’t listen. For a long time as I looked at that dent, I just regretted not obeying the Holy Spirit’s leading and reminded myself again of how I have made a mess of some other things in my life in a similar manner.
From a dent in something as ephemeral as a car to a dent in our lives that was caused by not walking in the Spirit, we have got to learn to forgive ourselves and not be found making the same mistake again. You can’t afford to be taking cue from Judas Iscariot; he could not forgive himself for betraying Jesus Christ and he ended up hanging himself (Matthew 27:5). On the other hand, Simon Peter forgave himself after denying Jesus thrice, turned back to the same Lord he had previously denied; and he became one of the foremost leaders in Christendom.
God is still willing to use you to influence lives positively and advance progressively to greater heights in life if you learn to forgive yourself and accept His forgiveness. I recall that for 10 years after I became born again, I lived like any bad guy on the streets. But a time came when I decided to forgive myself for walking in error, reaffirm my belief in God’s forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus and make a drastic U-turn in my attitude. In a short while, God transformed the course of my life. You may not be able to change your past, so stop allowing it to destroy your wonderful future. It is clear you screwed up by entering into that relationship; Yes! you knew you shouldn’t have taken that job which landed you into the job market again; That investment was not worth your sweat in any way, but you failed to listen to the Spirit; You may have occupied an enviable position in that church for years while you grew very lean spiritually; Perhaps you haven’t been giving your best to the work of the ministry committed to your hands. Forgive yourself today, accept the forgiveness God is stretching towards you, and move on with your life. Just give your best to ensure that going forward you obey the nudging of the Holy Spirit and live in obedience to God’s word.
You may not be able to go back to have a brand new start, but you can start now and have a brand new end. Bask in the heavenly freedom you enjoy. If the Son of man has set you free, don’t be the one to re-entangle yourself in bondage.
– Tope Aladenusi |
Hardly far was His walk
When He met a companion owing
But a farthing compared to his debt
Strangulating was His hold
despite pleas for Mercy
“Never!” he bellowed
“YOU MUST PAY BACK!”
time was sought
but “never!” came the hasty response
For He had forgotten the master’s care
All be paid was his claim
Not a part but all
not most but all
not many but all
Never to leave till he had
paid the least farthing
Aching the master’s heart felt
For How could love be repaid so
How could one forgiven so much
yet render such in return.
Do you have aught against your brother or does he have against you? Remember Christ’s love for us. While unlovable, weak and without strength he chose to love. Let us also so love one another with a heart large enough to forgive the vilest of offenses.
– Dr bolaji akanni