Forgive yourself
Joseph, a well-known biblical character. Joseph was on the receiving end of a lot of hurt from his brothers and this was not hurt that came and went quickly. This hurt changed the entire trajectory of Joseph’s life.
Yet, when Joseph and his brothers were finally reunited, He forgave them, freely. He didn’t want or need repayment. He didn’t want them to prove just how sorrowful they were over their sin. He just forgave. It was an awesome result of the faith in his heart.
From Joseph’s side, all was good. But, his brothers didn’t feel good. They felt extremely guilty. They knew how much their sin had damaged Joseph and his life and they lived with so much regret as a result. They just couldn’t forgive themselves for such a heinous act.
Why is it that it sometimes seems easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves? Do we think that we are somehow better than others and sin is out of our character? Or do we just know that sin deserves punishment, so we go about the work of punishing ourselves?
Whatever the reason may be, there is a surefire cure for guilt and that is Jesus. You don’t need to punish yourself, God punished his Son Jesus on your behalf. Jesus took the punishment that your guilt deserved. You don’t have to pretend to be morally superior to others, because Jesus was perfectly moral on your behalf.
No sin that you could commit could take him off the cross for you. No amount of guilt that you could feel could ever reverse the fact of his resurrection. Nothing that you think or say or do could ever separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
If you still feel guilt, God has words for you, “If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” (1 Jn 3:20)
Joseph’s brothers needed reassurance of their forgiveness and Joseph gave it to them. When you need that too, run to God’s Word and hear his love and forgiveness for you. When you need reassurance, run to a pastor or a Christian friend that will remind you what Jesus did for you and who you are in Christ.
