08/03/2026
Some time ago, one of our teenage kids got caught doing something wrong. He felt conflicted and sick to his stomach about it. Thankfully, he confessed what he had done, and we were able to have a productive conversation to resolve the issue. However, he still looked miserable after he finished the needed steps of asking the people involved for forgiveness and repenting to God about this. It was clear that he was incredibly disappointed in himself for doing something he knew was wrong.
This is where having a parent or someone to help you work through the issues in your life, no matter your age, can be so helpful and life-changing. Friends, sometimes when we mess up or do something wrong, we start agreeing with shame and believe things about ourselves that don’t need to be true. Here’s a crucial point - sometimes it is not enough to confess, make things right, and accept the consequences. The missing next step is this - we also need to remember to forgive ourselves.
Sometimes we hold ourselves to a different or harsher standard than we hold others to. Ephesians 4:32 (paraphrased) reminds us to be kind to one another and to forgive one another, just as God has forgiven us. So today I would like to gently remind you that while it is important to be kind to others and to forgive them, it is also important to be kind to yourself and to forgive yourself too. Since God loves us, forgives us, and gives us grace, let's remember to do these things for ourselves too. Let’s pray about this!
Heavenly Father, you have helped me to forgive others and to be kind to others many times. Right now I’d like to ask for your help to be kind to myself and to forgive myself for _____ (insert your own words here). I release the burden of guilt, regret, shame, and disappointment that I have been carrying. Thank you for your unfailing love and the reminder that Your grace covers all my mistakes. Help me to accept the mercy and grace You freely give me, and grant me the peace to move forward in Your strength, truth, and a free heart! In Jesus' name, Amen.
