1: Releasing the Past
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
SOMEONE IN THE 55+ DEMOGRAPHIC recently said to me that even though God had forgiven her, she could never forgive herself. I asked, “Never?” Never is a long time.
This unforgiveness had become an ever-tightening noose around this woman’s neck because it kept her trapped in the past.
I wonder how many of you are living with regret.
One of Satan’s strategies is to keep us focused on the failures and disappointments of the past. This creates tentacles of shame that entangle us.
I don’t want to discount the feelings you may have; however, allow me to introduce another perspective and four steps to victory over this battle in light of 2 Corinthians 5:17. May this four-step process silence the voice in your mind —this voice is not from God.
- Acknowledge that you haven’t forgiven yourself. Write the details of the situation on a sheet of paper.
- Ask God to forgive you for not forgiving yourself.
- Read Romans 8:1-2. Choose to believe in and accept the freedom that comes from the power of the Holy Spirit living within you.
- Choose to forgive yourself. Destroy the piece of paper to represent your forgiveness of yourself. One person told me he tied it to a rock and threw it into the ocean.
Questions
- In what area of your life do you struggle to forgive yourself?
- What is keeping you from offering forgiveness to yourself?
- Review the four steps above and journal as needed.
- Connect with a friend who can help you work through this. Be available to help your friend work through similar areas in his or her life.