How Forgiving Ourselves Is A Sign of Grace

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life.  I've chosen the wrong path more than a few times.  I've made decisions that I came to regret.  

And sometimes, those mistakes still haunt me.  They usually show up when I'm feeling low or in a thought spiral when I'm facing hardship, needing to move forward into uncertainty, and a host of other life challenges.  

Every one of us has journeyed through the valleys of mistake and regret. 

Sometimes, we may feel shackled by our missteps, believing we deserve to carry their weight forever. Yet, as the author, theologian, and philosopher don Miguel Ruiz poignantly states, “True justice is paying only once for each mistake. True injustice is paying more than once for each mistake.” 

These words serve as a clarion call to recognize that perpetual shame is not a sign of justice but rather chains that confine us.

When we hold onto our mistakes, we inadvertently magnify their power over us. However, embracing a loving and just God reveals a beautiful truth: we are not meant to pay for our wrongdoings eternally. 

God's mercy envelops us, allowing us a path toward redemption and renewal. As the sun rises each day, so does God's grace offer us the chance to begin anew. 

In Colin Tipping's book Radical Self Forgiveness, he reminds us that “Forgiveness is not about the one who wronged you; it’s about your own peace.” 

This perspective is liberating. It invites us to reflect on our blunders, to acknowledge them, and then to release their grip on our hearts. 

We learn from our past, but we are not defined by it. Each mistake contains a valuable lesson, allowing us to grow and become wiser. It is crucial to remember that a loving God does not design us to endure endless punishment for our failings but instead encourages us to learn, heal, and move forward.

As you navigate your journey, I challenge you to reframe your relationship with past mistakes. Acknowledge them and feel the emotions they evoke, but don’t let them haunt you. 

Each new dawn presents a blank canvas; every moment is an opportunity for fresh beginnings. Embrace your inherent worthiness and grace. Offer yourself the same compassion you would extend to a cherished friend who has stumbled.

As you practice self-forgiveness, hold this thought close: Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. Embrace your imperfections as part of your unique journey, and let the lessons of yesterday illuminate the path toward a more empowered and hopeful tomorrow. 

Let grace be your guiding light, freeing you from the burdens of the past and opening the door to a brighter, more hopeful future.

May you find grace for yourself and the forgiveness that can free you to be your best and truest self.  And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.