JEFF TURNER

The idea of forgiving yourself has become common in both secular culture and church settings, often presented as a necessary step toward healing and moving forward. Colossians 3:13 is sometimes brought into the conversation, with the logic being that if God forgives us and we are to forgive others, we must also forgive ourselves. But self-forgiveness and receiving God’s forgiveness are two very different things.

Sin is an offence against God and only he has the standing to forgive it. The forgiveness that truly deals with sin comes from God alone, and it is full and complete when it is given. For a believer, the right response to guilt is not to generate forgiveness for themselves but to accept and rest in the forgiveness God has already provided. Continuing to carry guilt after God has forgiven is not humility; it is a failure to receive what he has offered. Once his forgiveness is in hand, there is nothing left to do but live in the freedom of it.

 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9