Wrestling with Self Forgiveness (Part 2)

One of the problems with learning to forgive ourselves is that we often frame ourselves in terms of the sins that we have committed. There is no need for this. We need to understand that our sin does not define us; Jesus defines us. Sin seeks to replace Jesus as the standard for who we are as human beings. One may tell himself, “I am just my sin.” “I’m a fornicator.” “I’m a thief.” “I’m an adulterer.” “I’m a liar.” “I’m a hypocrite.” The list could go on. This kind of self-talk perpetuates needless feelings of guilt.

Satan wants to own our identity. He wants sin to define us because that is what defines Him. He wants us to identify with our sins so that He can control us in His orchestrated rebellion against God. Just because we commit a sin does not mean that our identity is that sin. We must put Christ in the place of those sins. He is the standard for who God made us to be (Galatians 2:20). He does not want us identifying with our sins. Instead, He wants us to be found in Him (Philippians 3:9).

Unfortunately, many in the world have adopted this approach claiming that their sin is just an alternative lifestyle. This notion of identifying with sin has its roots in the contemporary philosophy of existentialism which says that an individual can define his own purpose. This philosophy has no standard of right and wrong; it is just what an individual decides to be. For many, sin becomes their defining trait as it reigns over them. Romans 6:12 says, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.” You are not your sin. Do not let sin identify you. Forgiving self means understanding that one’s identity is in Christ, not one’s past sins.

God bless you, and I love you.

Kevin Cauley