4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. 6. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. 7. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8. Love never fails...--I Corinthians 13:4-8a, Berean Standard Bible

We true Believers are taught at (Bible-believing) church and the Word to daily practice, forgiveness toward others. We know we are to do that. However, it's rarely been taught that we are also to forgive ourselves--something the LORD revealed to me again, when I read I Corinthians 13:4-8 this morning. 

When I read, "It keeps no account of wrongs," the sweet Holy Spirit reminded me that I'd made much progress--by the help of the LORD!--in forgiving people, and forgiving quickly, especially by speaking it out of my mouth, when I have been disappointed or frustrated, etc.--but that I needed to remember to forgive myself. 

(At the same time, some unforgiveness and bitterness and such can be very deep, hidden for years. The LORD is so gracious to work gently with us to reveal things bit by bit, knowing that we can only handle so much deliverance at a time! He is so loving and kind, patient and understanding; slow to anger and abounding in Love! Hallelujah!)

So, right after we forgive, release, and bless others who have hurt, disappointed, frustrated, or otherwise offended us, (and usually, they have no idea they have done so!), then we need to ask God to forgive us, then forgive ourselves. 

We may not feel we've done anything wrong, but we can humble ourselves and ask the LORD to forgive us, just in case. Of course, first, we can ask the Spirit of Truth to reveal to us any errors on our part (and we may be surprised, but better to know than not know!), to be forgiven for, and then, we choose to NOT hold any more "ought"--unforgiveness--against ourselves!

So, let's practice!

Father God, we praise and thank You that You love us so much, You continually teach us Your truth, and You are so patient with us, knowing we are Your little children, who see in part and know in part. Yet, You expect us to grow and apply what we know, although often we've had to repeat the same lessons till we get it. Forgive us for pride, where we may not have thought we've needed to change. We know that, in Your Kingdom, life is continual change; becoming more like Christ daily, with Your help! So we ask You right now to forgive us of our sins and every other way we've missed the mark, and we receive it. Thank You, Father God!

Also, we choose to forgive ourselves--for if YOU, the God of Heaven and earth Who created and sustain us every breath, forgive us, then who are we to not forgive ourselves? Just like we don't want our dear children or other loved ones to feel condemned and keep kicking themselves, neither to you want us to. Jesus' blood paid for us to be free in every way!

Your mercies are new every morning! So we receive that freedom, forgive ourselves, thank You, and bless Your holy Name! In Jesus' Name, Amen!

…22 Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! 24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”…Lamentations 3:22--24, Berean Standard Bible

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.