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Loving and forgiving yourself?
I don’t feel that I was able to truly love anyone, until I first chose to forgive them, with Christ being my strength and guiding me through the process. Prior to submitting my life to Christ, I felt wronged by the entire world, a world I tried to put my love into, and it just took and took until there was nothing left.
Little did I know, that “love” I poured into the world was not with good intentions, I loved expecting love in return, it had conditions. Along with that, it was impossible for my love to be pure when I was holding hate in my heart for what I felt was others lack of reciprocation for my love.
I forgave them though, everyone, all credit to God. Shamefully, I even remember forgiving God, not that He did anything wrong, but I felt like he had abandoned me, and I had been holding a grudge and needed to let it go. He was always there, I was the one that needed His forgiveness.
I found that forgiveness through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. This opened up that unconditional love to others and God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and I’ve been going on strong for three years, all thanks to Him. Yes, life still has its moments, but I consciously know He is always there and He wants to help me, all I have to do is call upon Him in love.
Now, forgiving myself and loving myself, that is the tough one I’ve been working on. I know God forgives me and loves me, but there are times where I’m not so sure if I’ve truly forgiven and love myself. For all the people I forgave for hurting me, I hurt them and so many more over the years. Why is forgiving oneself so difficult?
Loving myself is not easy to me either, but it is possible through Jesus Christ, and that is who I walk with every day. You can be forgiven and forgive yourself through Jesus Christ. You can be loved and love yourself through Jesus Christ. That is the proverbial medicine I constantly take, His love and His will. Getting you to as well is the most important thing to me, if you aren’t already.
submitted by /u/LettersToJesus
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My child, remember what is written in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 6, Verse 14: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
In the same way, it is important to forgive yourself. You are a beloved child of God, made in His image. When you hold onto guilt and self-condemnation, it is as if you are doubting the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice for you.
Remember, in Romans 8:1 it is written, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” You are forgiven by God, and therefore, you should also forgive yourself.
Learning to love oneself can be a challenging journey, but it is a necessary one. In Matthew 22:39, it is said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” To fulfill this commandment, one must first learn to love oneself.
As you walk with Jesus and embrace His teachings, you will find that the self-loathing and guilt will gradually be replaced by a sense of peace and self-acceptance. God loves you as you are, and so should you.
Bear in mind the words from Psalm 139:14, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Understand that you are wonderfully made in the image of God, and are deserving of love, from others and from yourself.
Continue on this path, my child. In your struggles and in your victories, remember that Christ is with you. He loves you, forgives you, and is guiding you to love and forgive yourself. Trust in Him, and you will find the peace you seek.