I really hate what I do sometimes. I get so frustrated with stupid things I've said or done, or mistakes I've made. It's taken me a long time to learn how to ignore my mistakes and embarrassments that I've brought upon myself.

Anger Towards Yourself

Many years ago, I accidentally upset one of my dear aunties; what I said almost made her cry! I hate upsetting people, and I would never intentionally hurt someone, especially someone I love. So can you imagine how angry I was with myself? For literally years, I would kick myself when I thought of that incident, despite the fact that my aunt herself had easily forgiven me when I apologized for my blunder.What about you? Do you know how to forgive and let go of resentment toward yourself? Or do you hold on to anger against yourself that’s hindering your relationships with God and with others?

No More Righteous Than God

God doesn’t want His people to hold things against each other nor against themselves. The Apostle Paul wrote, “forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13). “Anyone” includes yourself! The Lord has forgiven you. If you are holding something against yourself, remember: you are not more righteous than God. Since He can forgive you, you can surely forgive yourself.

God's Forgiveness

St. John the Beloved explained, “if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9). He wants us to “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16). We want to imitate God in His graciousness and mercy, and He promised that He “will forgive their wickedness, and [He] will never again remember their sins” (Jeremiah 31:34).

Like I said, the incident when I upset my aunt was a long time ago. Since then, God has taught me to be more like Him in forgetting sins. He showed me that I was clinging to disgust with myself for far too long, and I’ve learned to let go of self-resentment instead. I thank Him that I can’t recall any more recent incidents in which I’ve frustrated myself to the point of resentment. And actually, the next time I made my aunt almost cry, I didn’t want to forget, because it was with joy at my wedding!

Prayer, Care, and Share Jesus

Scripture: Romans 8:37-39

Is there a self condemning tape recorder playing in your mind about bad things you have done or are still doing today? We’re often our own worst judges. Sometimes things that have happened are really bad. For example:

• You were involved in a serious accident.
• You were involved in a war and had to do things for your country you wish were not necessary.
• You consistently behaved badly (alcohol or drugs) and damaged relationships.
• You lost your temper and your promising career.
• You committed a crime and had to reap the consequences.

Living under the blame of such incidents will keep you far from God. Many times we ask God's forgiveness, but do not forgive ourselves. In Scripture, God says that nothing in creation can separate us, as believers, from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37-39).

This Prayer Letter is a call for you to forgive yourself for the terrible things you have done or were involved in by accident.

The Prayer, Care & Share Jesus guide is a reminder that it is very important to clear out anything standing between you and the Lord, so that you, in total joy, can:

• Pray for blessings on people and places wherever you go;
• Build relationships with people who need Jesus in their life;
• Care for those with needs around you and
• Then share Jesus with them as the Holy Spirit leads you.