Words of Encouragement from Dr. C. Yvette Brock, Pastor
Have you forgiven yourself? In order to live the abundant life down here on earth and in the life to come with Jesus Christ, we must forgive. But have you forgiven yourself? Often we avoid forgiving ourselves because it is too painful. . Instead we choose a different route and do not admit our sins or take responsibility for our own choices and actions. This allows us to put blame on others, including institutions, family, etc , and avoid the guilt and shame of our deeds and choices. We can see an example of this in Genesis 3 when our first parents blamed each other and Satan. They even ran and hid from God due to their shame and guilt. Adam’s blame and shame caused him to point out that God was at fault because He gave him the woman, Eve. Unprocessed guilt, shame and blame cause us to estrange ourselves from meaningful and genuine relationships with God, family , colleagues, neighbors and others. It results in some mental health conditions, anxiety, isolation, depression, withdrawal, as well as, broken relationships, and may cause one to miss opportunities which might have come their way. Although there are many other examples which are probably more important, today I am going to emphasize a very simple and common failure we may have because it is easy to address and to repair. It is about lying to ourselves and others about our education and qualifications. Many people are too ashamed to go back to school to further their education. They also do not want to settle for whatever job for which they may qualify. They are ashamed to be seen returning to school and going to jobs that they hold in low esteem and degree. They feel as though returning to school or going to a “menial” position is beneath them. These feelings make them too embarrassed to let their friends and loved ones know and see them work at the cash register or sweep the floor. This is because they have lied to their children and others about their educational achievements. So, they do not go back to get their high school diploma or the rest of their college education. Instead they take the low road of underachievement or poverty or crime. They miss the abundant life of self acceptance and settle for less. There are others who are not only ashamed, but they also blame others for their mishaps. Some people who feel degraded by education or job status blame their failures on teachers, parents, spouses, the system and bosses. Some are still blaming others for what happened before they were born! Blaming others and being ashamed of education and jobs are just two examples which play a part in missing out on the abundant life. Lying to ourselves stagnates us. Guilt, shame and blame stagnate us. There are many more examples of things which impede our ability to live the abundant life. They won't be fully addressed here but they consist of how we handle our financial, marital, parental, religious, professional and business affairs. It is easy to blame others when we quit, are dishonest, avoid or mishandle things which are placed in our care and stewardship. Blame, guilt and shame can cause us to fail to face the truth and forgive ourselves. It is just as important to forgive ourselves as it is to forgive others and for God to forgive us all. When we hide from the truth on any level and hide behind guilt and blame and shame, we also estrange ourselves from opportunities that might come our way and the ability to really live the abundant life on earth. It is never too late to accept responsibility for our choices and actions whether it is about education, work, relationships, handling of money, etc. Let us be truthful to ourselves and forgive ourselves. If it is difficult for you to do this, remember that God is able to help us to forgive others and ourselves. In Psalm 139 the psalmist emphasizes searching one's heart and soul and being led in the way of everlasting life. In the book of James, the prophet writes that if we have not faith we can pray for it. If you find it hard to forgive yourself, you can pray and God will help you to do just that. Forgive yourself for whatever choices you have made and sins that you have committed. Face the consequences. Trust God to perfect everything concerning you. He promised to do this in Psalm 138. Forgiving yourself will help you experience a more abundant life starting today!
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Holistic Ministries Inc. hopes to fellowship with you. We hope you will join us very soon to worship, fellowship, and learn of the goodness of Jesus. We believe salvation is an individual journey and that God’s people perish for a lack of knowledge. Jesus came to set us free; His burden is light and His yoke is easy. He already paid the cost for our salvation - when you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that He is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead, then you are saved! (Romans 10:9)
Holistic Ministries Inc.
C.Y. Dozier, Pastor
