Forgiveness

The hardest person to forgive is me...

Sometimes we look in the mirror and are disappointed with ourselves. Whether we've wasted time, let ourselves go or are in too much debt to see a clear way out we find reasons why we're unworthy of forgiveness. Today, as many other days, I want to challenge you...

to forgive ... you!

There is a scripture in the Bible:

My People Perish for Lack of Knowledge

Hosea 4:6

There has never been a scripture that resonated more deeply in my soul than that. I perished in many ways due to lack of knowledge. Knowledge is defined as "facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education". We aren't just born with the knowledge that we need to succeed, instead, we acquire that knowledge over time. I love that this definition lists experience as another means of gaining knowledge. You don't know you can't trust everyone until you've trusted someone and been betrayed. You don't know you have to study to do well until you've lacked studying and did poorly. Knowledge is obtained through experience and education.

The worse thing we can do it obtain the knowledge and then be angry with ourselves because we did things contrary to that knowledge before, we had it. That is like being mad at a baby when they can walk because they were crawling. You do what you know how to do until you know better.

Maybe you're paying off years of debt. Don't wallow in the fact that you racked up all the debt! Instead, be proud that you have the knowledge and a plan to get out.

Maybe you're like me, losing weight after some time of reckless indulgence. Let's not beat ourselves up for gaining the weight and instead celebrate the fact that we're doing something good for ourselves.

Maybe you spent years in a career that you hate and now you're going back to school to adjust your professional career. Don't despise the days of working in the other career, instead find excitement in the fact that you are trying something different.

Forgive yourself for the years you operated outside of the knowledge that you have now and fully step into the person you are becoming.

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin!

Zechariah 4:10

Journal Prompt

Be Gentle on Yourself!

What things can you focus on forgiving yourself for?

What areas do you lack knowledge and how can you acquire it?

What changes are you making and are you forgiving yourself for your past?

Love you,

Share this blog with someone who could use some encouragement to forgive themselves.