Larry Lilly's Journal Forgiving Yourself! Volume 18, Issue 9
Larry Lilly
When my book, Outrageous Forgiveness in 30 Days, was first released I received numerous letters from well-meaning readers stating, “I have forgiven many people who have done wrong to me. How do I forgive myself?”
There is no one word answer, but there are biblically based answers. First, we should find someone in the Bible whom God states as forgiven. One is coming to mind as I write discovered in John’s Gospel, and it involves a woman accused of adultery, and as there is no record of her denial, she was guilty, though unjustly prosecuted.
Here is the statement of Jesus Christ to her:
John 8:11 She said, "No one, Lord."
And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."
Most will agree that if God is on record as having forgiven someone, no one has the right to continue making a big deal of that which is forgiven.
Those who have trouble forgiving themselves state, “I can’t believe I did such a terrible thing.” The Lord knows you did such “a terrible thing” and He forgives. As the Judge of the Highest Court in all Creation, there is no higher appeal level. You are forgiven. Here is a powerful point from the pen of Oxford Don, C.S. Lewis in his take on forgiving yourself:
"If God forgives us we must forgive ourselves otherwise it’s like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than him." “Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis (2006). (Triple Emphasis mine).
Satan, the “god of this world,” cannot overrule the mandate of God. All the tribunals of time cannot undo the ruling of the Lord on a case. And though you may struggle with the supernatural love/grace of God, you are a forgiven citizen of heaven, and heaven trumps our feelings. It also rules as illegitimate the opinion of all humans including you!
Hebrews 8:12 "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Often the inability to forgive yourself is rooted in the belief, true or false, that others have not forgiven you. They will on occasion mention the “enormity” of your sin, forgetting that it took the blood of Christ for their sins to be blotted out. It requires no less or more of the same bloodshed on the cross of Calvary for whosoever to be forgiven.
If you have trouble forgiving yourself, you are not alone. Cato, the Roman of immense integrity during Caesar's march to tyranny, said concerning himself:
“I can forgive everyone’s mistakes but my own.”
Cato, while a man of character, had no concept of God.
We who know God through the love of His only Son, Jesus Christ, must learn the value of accepting forgiveness from God and making the application of forgiveness personally.
David, the Shepherd King of Israel, shed many a tear coming to forgiving himself. His struggles are recorded in Psalm 51 in the most picturesque words. We are witness to his remorse following the meeting with the prophet Nathan rebuking his affair with Bathsheba and his part in the murder of her husband, Uriah. Other Psalms also mention his troubles forgiving himself.
Martin Lloyd-Jones wrote:
“It is idle to say that we know that God has forgiven us if we are not loving and forgiving ourselves.”
The Biblical literature is replete with the truth that “self” is in near constant conflict with the truth of God. It was “self” that Satan preyed upon to deceive the first couple in the Garden. The idea conveyed to Adam and Eve was that if they knew more about “self” they would be on the level with their Creator. His actions follow the same false line today; A little disobedience to God will make us wiser. The deceit is wrapped in different packages but is always the same lie even though it is decorated with beautiful ribbons.
My pastor, Dr. Tom Wallace, taught me to ask those who came to me for pastoral counseling;
“How will this action improve your walk with Jesus?”
The action may have been thought to make you “feel” better with another person or a forbidden drug. It may have involved “cutting a few ethical corners for profit.” The lesson from Eden is that we are now somewhat like God in that we have knowledge of Good and Evil, but lack the character to choose right.
In salvation we have the Word of God to guide us, and the Spirit of God to urge the good, yet the Self is against the Spirit, and we choose to obey the Self. Some of this is entrenched in the false concept that Self is righteous, which is an attempt to counter biblical truth. We are not so noble that we can trust our Self to make decisions that are spiritually fruitful for living for the Lord Jesus.
Concerning “Self” Martin Luther wrote:
“I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals. I have within me the great pope, Self.”
“Biblically speaking, self-righteousness, which is the idea that we can somehow generate within ourselves righteousness that will be acceptable to God.” (Romans 3:10).
Remember; Self must not replace what God says. He says you are forgiven. Live with it! LML
There is no one word answer, but there are biblically based answers. First, we should find someone in the Bible whom God states as forgiven. One is coming to mind as I write discovered in John’s Gospel, and it involves a woman accused of adultery, and as there is no record of her denial, she was guilty, though unjustly prosecuted.
Here is the statement of Jesus Christ to her:
John 8:11 She said, "No one, Lord."
And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."
Most will agree that if God is on record as having forgiven someone, no one has the right to continue making a big deal of that which is forgiven.
Those who have trouble forgiving themselves state, “I can’t believe I did such a terrible thing.” The Lord knows you did such “a terrible thing” and He forgives. As the Judge of the Highest Court in all Creation, there is no higher appeal level. You are forgiven. Here is a powerful point from the pen of Oxford Don, C.S. Lewis in his take on forgiving yourself:
"If God forgives us we must forgive ourselves otherwise it’s like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than him." “Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis (2006). (Triple Emphasis mine).
Satan, the “god of this world,” cannot overrule the mandate of God. All the tribunals of time cannot undo the ruling of the Lord on a case. And though you may struggle with the supernatural love/grace of God, you are a forgiven citizen of heaven, and heaven trumps our feelings. It also rules as illegitimate the opinion of all humans including you!
Hebrews 8:12 "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Often the inability to forgive yourself is rooted in the belief, true or false, that others have not forgiven you. They will on occasion mention the “enormity” of your sin, forgetting that it took the blood of Christ for their sins to be blotted out. It requires no less or more of the same bloodshed on the cross of Calvary for whosoever to be forgiven.
If you have trouble forgiving yourself, you are not alone. Cato, the Roman of immense integrity during Caesar's march to tyranny, said concerning himself:
“I can forgive everyone’s mistakes but my own.”
Cato, while a man of character, had no concept of God.
We who know God through the love of His only Son, Jesus Christ, must learn the value of accepting forgiveness from God and making the application of forgiveness personally.
David, the Shepherd King of Israel, shed many a tear coming to forgiving himself. His struggles are recorded in Psalm 51 in the most picturesque words. We are witness to his remorse following the meeting with the prophet Nathan rebuking his affair with Bathsheba and his part in the murder of her husband, Uriah. Other Psalms also mention his troubles forgiving himself.
Martin Lloyd-Jones wrote:
“It is idle to say that we know that God has forgiven us if we are not loving and forgiving ourselves.”
The Biblical literature is replete with the truth that “self” is in near constant conflict with the truth of God. It was “self” that Satan preyed upon to deceive the first couple in the Garden. The idea conveyed to Adam and Eve was that if they knew more about “self” they would be on the level with their Creator. His actions follow the same false line today; A little disobedience to God will make us wiser. The deceit is wrapped in different packages but is always the same lie even though it is decorated with beautiful ribbons.
My pastor, Dr. Tom Wallace, taught me to ask those who came to me for pastoral counseling;
“How will this action improve your walk with Jesus?”
The action may have been thought to make you “feel” better with another person or a forbidden drug. It may have involved “cutting a few ethical corners for profit.” The lesson from Eden is that we are now somewhat like God in that we have knowledge of Good and Evil, but lack the character to choose right.
In salvation we have the Word of God to guide us, and the Spirit of God to urge the good, yet the Self is against the Spirit, and we choose to obey the Self. Some of this is entrenched in the false concept that Self is righteous, which is an attempt to counter biblical truth. We are not so noble that we can trust our Self to make decisions that are spiritually fruitful for living for the Lord Jesus.
Concerning “Self” Martin Luther wrote:
“I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals. I have within me the great pope, Self.”
“Biblically speaking, self-righteousness, which is the idea that we can somehow generate within ourselves righteousness that will be acceptable to God.” (Romans 3:10).
Remember; Self must not replace what God says. He says you are forgiven. Live with it! LML
The Book Worm's Corner Comments From/About Helpful Books Joyce Lilly
Joyce Lilly TgB
Amazing Grace: 8 Essentials for growing
This new booklet by Larry is loaded with truth straight from the pen of Peter on just how-to develop the power to live victoriously in a defeated world.
Each of the eight chapters is vibrant with meaning from word studies, quotes from men and women who have used, knowingly or unknowingly the eight essentials to overcome the troubles and trials of life.
Chapter 1 builds on the importance of faith and uses this from John Bulwer to help us grasp how empty our world would be if it were not for faith:
“Strike from mankind the principle of faith, and man would have no more history than a flock of sheep.” John Bulwer.
Chapter 2 leaps off the pages on the principle of Virtue. The word used here by Peter is described as Ar-et-ay, means “Moral power, manliness, valor, and excellence.” Strong’s Greek Dictionary; graphically deals with each of the listed attributes in understandable, easy to grasp manner. Missing these essentials is the cause of the wimpy witness of 21stCentury watered-down Christianity. The world for the most part has heard, but not seen demonstrated Christlike Christianity.
Each Chapter is full of thought-provoking statements that will hopefully move you, the reader to decisive action toward living life victoriously. Get Amazing Grace You may order a copy from the address on page 4 top left. An offering to help cover expenses will be appreciated. JDL TgB.
This new booklet by Larry is loaded with truth straight from the pen of Peter on just how-to develop the power to live victoriously in a defeated world.
Each of the eight chapters is vibrant with meaning from word studies, quotes from men and women who have used, knowingly or unknowingly the eight essentials to overcome the troubles and trials of life.
Chapter 1 builds on the importance of faith and uses this from John Bulwer to help us grasp how empty our world would be if it were not for faith:
“Strike from mankind the principle of faith, and man would have no more history than a flock of sheep.” John Bulwer.
Chapter 2 leaps off the pages on the principle of Virtue. The word used here by Peter is described as Ar-et-ay, means “Moral power, manliness, valor, and excellence.” Strong’s Greek Dictionary; graphically deals with each of the listed attributes in understandable, easy to grasp manner. Missing these essentials is the cause of the wimpy witness of 21stCentury watered-down Christianity. The world for the most part has heard, but not seen demonstrated Christlike Christianity.
Each Chapter is full of thought-provoking statements that will hopefully move you, the reader to decisive action toward living life victoriously. Get Amazing Grace You may order a copy from the address on page 4 top left. An offering to help cover expenses will be appreciated. JDL TgB.
Letters and Comments
I was in prison and you visited Me
LLLV18 8-20-2018 Count Your Blessings Where You Are
Here’s a note from a prisoner who has been on my snail mailing list for ages. He makes the most of prison, as did the biblical characters Joseph and Daniel. Part of Note:
“Last week our Sunday service was canceled. This is something that in the 31 years I have been here has happened about five times. A drug called K2 has been all over the prison. They’ve been taking a lot of guys to the hospital, because of what it is doing to them. So they locked us down and had the dogs come and search for it.”
The letter from this Brother in Christ is much longer, he tells of the ever-present anxiety concerning what will happen next. The state has opened a new prison, and about 1000 men have been moved into this new facility. My friend says: They have approved five men to be transferred to the new facility from here. When they leave, we will find out if they snatch up some guys, who didn’t put in for a transfer. That’s one of the things that you have to deal with in prison. Someone else makes decisions in your life, and there is always uncertainty.”
I share the above part of the letter in the hopes that his closing statement will have a tremendous impact on you:
“Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings.” C.W.
In a letter several years ago C.W. noted that Christ via the Word has taught him to be thankful that he is in prison in America. He has read extensively about horrible conditions in other countries. For the most part, U.S. prisons inflict more mental anxiety than physical pain. C.W. is on the mark with his “counting philosophy.”
Years ago, a favorite song opined the powerful idea too, “brighten the corner where you are.” You don’t hear much about this idea anymore as we of the upward mobile world honestly believe the best corner is someplace, anyplace else. Tragically this thought carries into marriage, leading to thinking someone else, anyone else will be better for me and much more helpful to reaching my goals.
The whole of Citizens of the USA will be better off when the bulk realize the truth where ever we live, to make it a little better. C.W. knows and practices this excellent plan of action.
From Most read letter in July.LML. You may subscribe to Larry Lilly Live and the FREE letter will be sent via email to you twice a week. Note me with your email addy here. larrylilly@larrylilly.net
Joyce reviewed my new book, Amazing Grace, 8 Essentials for Growth, her review space is limited, but I hope you get a copy of this new booklet. It is a helpful booklet for new Christians as well as Saints who are seasoned, but may need a refresher course in basic Christianity. The 8 essentials are not for salvation, but for enjoying the earthly benefit of walking with Jesus day by day. LML.
Here’s a note from a prisoner who has been on my snail mailing list for ages. He makes the most of prison, as did the biblical characters Joseph and Daniel. Part of Note:
“Last week our Sunday service was canceled. This is something that in the 31 years I have been here has happened about five times. A drug called K2 has been all over the prison. They’ve been taking a lot of guys to the hospital, because of what it is doing to them. So they locked us down and had the dogs come and search for it.”
The letter from this Brother in Christ is much longer, he tells of the ever-present anxiety concerning what will happen next. The state has opened a new prison, and about 1000 men have been moved into this new facility. My friend says: They have approved five men to be transferred to the new facility from here. When they leave, we will find out if they snatch up some guys, who didn’t put in for a transfer. That’s one of the things that you have to deal with in prison. Someone else makes decisions in your life, and there is always uncertainty.”
I share the above part of the letter in the hopes that his closing statement will have a tremendous impact on you:
“Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings.” C.W.
In a letter several years ago C.W. noted that Christ via the Word has taught him to be thankful that he is in prison in America. He has read extensively about horrible conditions in other countries. For the most part, U.S. prisons inflict more mental anxiety than physical pain. C.W. is on the mark with his “counting philosophy.”
Years ago, a favorite song opined the powerful idea too, “brighten the corner where you are.” You don’t hear much about this idea anymore as we of the upward mobile world honestly believe the best corner is someplace, anyplace else. Tragically this thought carries into marriage, leading to thinking someone else, anyone else will be better for me and much more helpful to reaching my goals.
The whole of Citizens of the USA will be better off when the bulk realize the truth where ever we live, to make it a little better. C.W. knows and practices this excellent plan of action.
From Most read letter in July.LML. You may subscribe to Larry Lilly Live and the FREE letter will be sent via email to you twice a week. Note me with your email addy here. larrylilly@larrylilly.net
Joyce reviewed my new book, Amazing Grace, 8 Essentials for Growth, her review space is limited, but I hope you get a copy of this new booklet. It is a helpful booklet for new Christians as well as Saints who are seasoned, but may need a refresher course in basic Christianity. The 8 essentials are not for salvation, but for enjoying the earthly benefit of walking with Jesus day by day. LML.
Page Four Pastor David Thomas Comments on Truth
Pastor Dave Thomas
Comments on Truth BBC Assistant Pastor David Thomas.
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17. NKJV
I must not leave this text without commenting on the other quality of God mentioned; truth. We learn both through our Bibles and our daily experiences of just living in this world that lies swarm around us like mosquitos in a swamp.
Our Bibles tell us that this present world lies in the power of the wicked one, and entire religions are built upon distortions of original truth that Satan has managed to build into attractive traps for the souls of mankind.
I remember my uncle, Bill Yount, just shortly after my father had passed away, looking me squarely in the eye, and emphatically declaring, "David, the one thing that would make me proud of you is to be a man of your word. Tell the truth, always, even if it costs you a friend, or your job. Always tell the truth."
There were times between that moment, and the day I gave my heart to Christ 14 years later, that the temptation to cut corners on the truth would rise up, and I'd remember those steely eyes, and those words, and it was sufficient to keep me straight.
But Jesus is truth! Every word; every act; every principle! What comfort I get from His Word, when we have political parties teaching that the world shall become so hot in another century that the human race shall be extinct. But God says;
"While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, and day and night, Shall not cease." (Gen. 8:22).
We had dire predictions a few years ago that, by now, coastal cities the world over would be inundated by the oceans. But God declared to Job concerning the sea;
"When I fixed my limit for it, And set bars and doors; When I said, 'this far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!' (Job 38:10-11).
The Bible reveals to me the disquieting news that because of the unbelief of the majority of mankind, the world's liars shall rule for a while. We seem to be there, and sadly, it shall become worse. But Jesus Christ, the Lord of truth, shall overcome them at the last day. Truth shall one day reign on the earth. Pastor Dave.
From Dave’s Daily Letter Wading in the Shallows. Free subscription here <dlthomas@minister.com>
*****
You won't be happy, whatever you do, unless you're comfortable with your own conscience.” Lucille Ball.
“A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” Charles Spurgeon.
“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.” Winston Churchill.
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17. NKJV
I must not leave this text without commenting on the other quality of God mentioned; truth. We learn both through our Bibles and our daily experiences of just living in this world that lies swarm around us like mosquitos in a swamp.
Our Bibles tell us that this present world lies in the power of the wicked one, and entire religions are built upon distortions of original truth that Satan has managed to build into attractive traps for the souls of mankind.
I remember my uncle, Bill Yount, just shortly after my father had passed away, looking me squarely in the eye, and emphatically declaring, "David, the one thing that would make me proud of you is to be a man of your word. Tell the truth, always, even if it costs you a friend, or your job. Always tell the truth."
There were times between that moment, and the day I gave my heart to Christ 14 years later, that the temptation to cut corners on the truth would rise up, and I'd remember those steely eyes, and those words, and it was sufficient to keep me straight.
But Jesus is truth! Every word; every act; every principle! What comfort I get from His Word, when we have political parties teaching that the world shall become so hot in another century that the human race shall be extinct. But God says;
"While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, and day and night, Shall not cease." (Gen. 8:22).
We had dire predictions a few years ago that, by now, coastal cities the world over would be inundated by the oceans. But God declared to Job concerning the sea;
"When I fixed my limit for it, And set bars and doors; When I said, 'this far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!' (Job 38:10-11).
The Bible reveals to me the disquieting news that because of the unbelief of the majority of mankind, the world's liars shall rule for a while. We seem to be there, and sadly, it shall become worse. But Jesus Christ, the Lord of truth, shall overcome them at the last day. Truth shall one day reign on the earth. Pastor Dave.
From Dave’s Daily Letter Wading in the Shallows. Free subscription here <dlthomas@minister.com>
*****
You won't be happy, whatever you do, unless you're comfortable with your own conscience.” Lucille Ball.
“A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” Charles Spurgeon.
“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.” Winston Churchill.
Friendly Reminder
If this ministry has blessed you, consider supporting our work online and in prisons. Strangely, the UK is opening up with many requests for the paper version of the Journal. Your help with the increased mailing costs will be deeply appreciated. Thank you for your prayers and gifts! Together, we can make a major difference in the lives of our readers!
The Journal ministries are a work of faith and we trust the Lord each month to supply the financial needs as He moves His people to help.
You may send your offering to:
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
If this ministry has blessed you, consider supporting our work online and in prisons. Strangely, the UK is opening up with many requests for the paper version of the Journal. Your help with the increased mailing costs will be deeply appreciated. Thank you for your prayers and gifts! Together, we can make a major difference in the lives of our readers!
The Journal ministries are a work of faith and we trust the Lord each month to supply the financial needs as He moves His people to help.
You may send your offering to:
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805