"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."--Romans 8:1(NKJV)
All of us at one time or another have missed the mark, blown it, or put our foot in our mouths. It's an awful feeling. You know, the feelings of regret for saying or doing the "wrong thing" or playing a part or participating in something "foul". It can be extremely overwhelming and guilt producing. So how do we move beyond the mental replays, the ruminating, the self-blame, the burden of guilt that stagnates and produces self-condemnation and unforgiveness in our souls?
We must grab hold of the biblical truth that ALL have missed the mark:
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..."--Romans 3:23(NIV)
Yet, we have hope in Christ Jesus:
"and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."--Romans 3:24(NIV)
Easter Sunday, which has just passed, it's a reminder of God's infinite love for mankind. It's a reminder of how God longs for relationship for each and everyone of us; so much so that he would send his only Son (John 3:16) to redeem us from the curse of sin. Christ died for the sins of the world, and there is no sin that has not been propitiated by His blood (I John 2:2).
The word of God also tells us that when we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:5). We also know that when God forgives, extends compassion, tramples our sin under his feet, and hurls them into the depths of sea (Micah 7:19).
So, how do we overcome self-loathing and self-condemnation? How do we overcome the guilt that stagnates our progress in life, inhibits dreams, effects our relationships, and brings distress to our souls?
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we confess our sins before you and ask for your forgiveness. We thank you for lifting the burden of guilt, shame, self-condemnation, and unforgiveness. We grab hold of the truth of your word by faith. We renounce all negative self-talk and self-deprecating words. We send them back to the pit of hell. We embrace the beauty of your words. We only speak what you speak. If it is not pure, holy, true, kind, loving, edifying, wholesome, and liberating--we will not speak it. Thank you for the grace to monitor our conversations and our thoughts. Thank you for the grace to remove ourselves from negative and toxic environments that bring distress to our souls. Thank you for empowering us to be good to ourselves, as you desire that we live prosperous and abundant lives (John 10:10). In Jesus' name, amen and so be it according to your word!
We must grab hold of the biblical truth that ALL have missed the mark:
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..."--Romans 3:23(NIV)
Yet, we have hope in Christ Jesus:
"and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."--Romans 3:24(NIV)
Easter Sunday, which has just passed, it's a reminder of God's infinite love for mankind. It's a reminder of how God longs for relationship for each and everyone of us; so much so that he would send his only Son (John 3:16) to redeem us from the curse of sin. Christ died for the sins of the world, and there is no sin that has not been propitiated by His blood (I John 2:2).
The word of God also tells us that when we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:5). We also know that when God forgives, extends compassion, tramples our sin under his feet, and hurls them into the depths of sea (Micah 7:19).
So, how do we overcome self-loathing and self-condemnation? How do we overcome the guilt that stagnates our progress in life, inhibits dreams, effects our relationships, and brings distress to our souls?
- Receive and accept the forgiveness of God by faith, in so doing it enables us to forgive ourselves. (Romans 8:1).
- Remind yourself, if necessary, that you have been forgiven and that you have been set free of any emotional bondage or self-construction emotional prison (John 8:38).
- Think about what you are thinking about! Monitor your thoughts and self-talk. Seize the mental "pop-ups". When thoughts of self-condemnation pop-up--refute them with the word of God (2 Corinthians 10:5)
- Make daily affirmations that are based on scriptures. It's the one thing that the enemy cannot stand. Satan hates the word of God! The more you speak it, the more he runs (Matthew 4:1-10)
- Allow God to define you, not your experience! You are who God says you are! (Psalm 139:14)
- Release the belief or negative emotion that has become attached and familiar to you. (Romans 12:2)
- Embrace the love, nurturing, and acceptance of God. You are his child and he loves you! (Jeremiah 31:3)
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we confess our sins before you and ask for your forgiveness. We thank you for lifting the burden of guilt, shame, self-condemnation, and unforgiveness. We grab hold of the truth of your word by faith. We renounce all negative self-talk and self-deprecating words. We send them back to the pit of hell. We embrace the beauty of your words. We only speak what you speak. If it is not pure, holy, true, kind, loving, edifying, wholesome, and liberating--we will not speak it. Thank you for the grace to monitor our conversations and our thoughts. Thank you for the grace to remove ourselves from negative and toxic environments that bring distress to our souls. Thank you for empowering us to be good to ourselves, as you desire that we live prosperous and abundant lives (John 10:10). In Jesus' name, amen and so be it according to your word!
