Going Home: Forgive Yourself

Isaiah 43:18

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

After we are truly saved, God no longer holds our past against us. We must make a positive and committed choice to stop holding our past against ourselves. God has forgiven you. Forgive yourself. Put the past in the past and keep it there.

The enemy wants us to stay bogged down in guilt, shame and embarrassment from our past. If we dwell on the past, we cannot enjoy the beautiful gift of each present day in relationship with our Ever-Present Father.

Jesus tells us that the one who looks back after putting his hand to the plow is not fit for service in the Kingdom of God. See Luke 9:62. I am certain you remember what happened to Lot’s wife when she looked back. See Genesis 19:26.

Paul himself emphasized the crucial importance of this concept. His dedication and commitment came in part from this decision – “One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” See Philippians 3:12-14.

The world, and the enemy, are unforgiving and may try to hold your past against you. You are discharging your legal debt to society, and God has already forgiven you in Christ Jesus. Forgive yourself.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Ask your Heavenly Father for a deeper revelation of His unlimited love and unconditional forgiveness.

Put your past in the past. Stop looking in the rearview mirror.

Dive Deeper: Study Isaiah 43; Philippians 3:12-14; Genesis 19:26; Luke 9:60-62; Isaiah 42:9.