Pardon Yourself

Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

─ Isaiah 55:7 NKJV

Are you harder on yourself than anyone else? It’s great to have high standards, to hold yourself accountable and strive to be your very best, but sometimes it’s necessary to pardon yourself and stop beating yourself up for things you can’t change.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld, a 17th century author said, “We pardon to the extent that we love.” When we’re willing to forgive ourselves, it demonstrates that we see ourselves as God sees us. Not as someone who deserves to be forgiven, but as someone who has accepted who we are because of the mercy and grace God has granted.

Our verse in Isaiah promises that when we whole-heartedly repent, turn from the ways of the world and accept God’s pardon, we can also forgive ourselves.

God’s love and mercy allows you to let go of the struggle, and accept His love.

Today’s One Thing

If you’re beating yourself up emotionally today because of something you wish you’d done differently, ask for God’s help in letting it go. Or if you know someone who needs to accept a personal pardon for themselves, pray for them today to see the truth of God’s forgiveness so that they may have grace even for themselves.

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