The scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” —Luke 5:21
Remember the time in Jesus’ ministry when the men brought their friend to be healed, letting him down through the roof because the crowd was so large? Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven you,” to which the Pharisees protested, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies?”
There was a lot wrong with their attitude but not with their question. Who can forgive sins but God alone? No one. This is important to remember, especially when all the regret, shame, and guilt leads you to say, “I just can’t forgive myself.”
Perhaps you’re having a hard time getting past a decision that cost you a good job. It could be a moment where you failed to keep one of your children safe. It could be any of a million things.
You may try to forgive yourself, but that will not lead to healing. Nowhere in the Scripture does God instruct us to deal with heartache this way. He urges us to receive His forgiveness.
Make it Personal
Are there any areas in your life where you’re trying to forgive yourself? Instead, take them to God and receive His forgiveness.