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Forgiving Yourself

"If we confess our sins, he [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."¹

In response to an article on abortion some time back in Weekend Encounter a reader wrote, "What I am concerned about is that those who read your article who have had an abortion might be put into a deeper depression because of what that article said. I agree with it, but you didn't mention that there is forgiveness of this sin. I agree with what you said, but I am concerned that some might read it and not know that they can be forgiven. I know women that have had abortions who live in a great depression over their sin. I just want them to know that they can find forgiveness."

Dear W.E. reader, you have raised an excellent point. I recall being in a weekend secular growth group where a very non-religious lady was sobbing her heart out because of her guilt over having had two abortions. As far as I know she never sought God’s forgiveness. This is sad because any woman who has had an abortion can be forgiven if she confesses her sin and asks God for his forgiveness—just as he forgives any and all other sins which have been confessed.

However, after asking for God’s forgiveness, every one of us needs to accept his forgiveness by faith, and then it is essential that we forgive ourselves just as God has forgiven us. Unfortunately, people who have perfectionistic tendencies can find this very difficult to do. If this is so, their problem has more to do with being a perfectionist rather than finding forgiveness—and this is another issue totally. For help, see the link below to a Daily Encounter article on “Perfectionism.”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for your promise that if I confess my sins to you, you will forgive me fully and freely. And please help me to forgive myself for all the wrongs I have done and wherever possible, make restitution to anyone I may have hurt. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. 1 John 1:9 (NIV).

NOTE: For the article on “Perfectionism” go to: http://tinyurl.com/perfectionism007.

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