Forgive Yourself: The Price has been paid
Have you ever been in a position where you could not forgive yourself? There is something you did that seems to haunt you and leaves you with shame, guilt or regret.
Imagine Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles. He had been with his Master intimately for a period of over three years. Peter pledged to give his life when Jesus talked of his impending death.
Few hours later, Peter was faced with realities of his words. He could not believe that his Master was standing there helpless whilst everyone was taking turns heaving abuses and striking blows at Him. Peter had attempted to defend Jesus, cutting off the ear of one of the assailants, only for Jesus to plant the ears back on the criminal!
Perplexed, Peter sat by the fire warning himself, shivering not just from the cold of the night but also the sickening events that were unfolding before him. Then Peter gets questioned about his relationship with Jesus.
Beating his chest, he swears he has never been with Jesus. One, two, three times.. .then the cock crows. Peter remembers the words that Jesus had earlier spoken. Peter had just denied Jesus. Peter went out weeping bitterly, engulfed with shame.
That same night, Judas, another disciple, discovers that his plot had gone too far. He had just wanted a few silver pieces. He had thought Jesus would have done one of those tantalizing miracles, escaped and they would have all resumed where they left off, forgiving him seventy times seven. But now, this Man was being bludgeoned to near death.
Shame
Interestingly, one could not take the shame and hung himself, Judas. The other felt shame too but lived, to tell the tale. Thank God Peter did, because when Jesus rose again, He specifically gave instructions for the good news to be told to His disciples and PETER (Mark 16:17).
Washed away
Jesus mentioned Peter’s name so that Peter would know he was forgiven and restored. That the Blood had washed away every shame and regret (See Isaiah 1 :18).
There is no sin in this world too filthy for the Blood. The Blood took care of EVERYTHING on the Cross. Judas would have been restored but did not give himself the chance. The devil wants you to believe that your sin is beyond pardon. Don’t allow him to whisper those lies.
Pride
The devil is full of pride and the minute you start thinking that way you are telling God that the Blood is not ‘cleansing’ enough. That your constant shame and regret is a higher price than the Blood. It is ultimately pride disguised as remorse. Hard words but this is this is satan’s strategy to keep you feeling guilty. Learn to forgive yourself.
Accept the forgiveness of God right now. Jesus has already paid the price.
Thought for the day
A pot that has been used and then washed is a clean pot. You don’t have to buy a new pot the next time you cook or keep washing the pot endlessly. Similarly, you are a new vessel in Christ, Blood washed and righteous in God. Accept it, forgive yourself, and move on!
Adapted from “Defying Mental Illness: A 31-Day Devotional”
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