Is it biblical for us to forgive ourselves?

[mystic]

Joel Osteen was preaching this morning about the need for us to forgive ourselves, I am not seeing any scripture which directly supports this?

[alon]

May 9, 2021 3:02:49 GMT -8 mystic said:

Joel Osteen was preaching this morning about the need for us to forgive ourselves, I am not seeing any scripture which directly supports this?

The only biblical reason I know of to forgive yourself is that if God has forgiven you, then you are forgiven. It can be seen as a lack of trust in God to not forgive ourselves. On the other hand, the guilt and shame we feel for those sins are part of the consequences we bear for them. My personal take is I ask forgiveness once, ask God's help and try my best to correct what needs correcting. Then I
a.) trust God to forgive, so I don't waste time wailing and asking over and over again for forgiveness; that would be a lack of trust
b.) bear my shame as it helps me not do that sin again
c.) ask forgiveness and make amends where possible if I harmed others by my sin
Those actions are based in biblical principles. not necessarily in any "Thou shalt's."


The problem with Joel Osteen is he preaches a feel-good religion that eschews repentance in favor of doing what he calls "shaking off the shame." His teachings come straight from the pit. So if you are lookig to him for answers, my advice is go elsewhere. You'll likely get the wrong ones from him.
 

[mystic]

I don't purposely look at any Evangelist's shows. On Sunday mornings only I have the TV on channel 5 so whoever is on there while I am working or whatever I catch bits and pieces of their sermons. David Jeremiah comes on after him. 

Yes, dealing with guilt and forgiveness for my past life and sins had been an issue for me which I will correct, those are are great points you've made on the forgiveness aspect, thanks!