SPEAKER_00: Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself.
SPEAKER_00: We know God has forgiven us, yet we keep returning to old failures, replaying past mistakes, and wondering if we'll ever move beyond them.
SPEAKER_00: We carry guilt that Jesus has already taken away, holding ourselves to a standard God never asked us to meet.
SPEAKER_00: Thankfully, his word speaks directly to that struggle.
SPEAKER_00: In Romans 8:1, Paul writes, therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
SPEAKER_00: Notice the word now.
SPEAKER_00: God's forgiveness isn't something you earn after enough time has passed or after you've punished yourself long enough.
SPEAKER_00: Because of Jesus, the verdict has already been given.
SPEAKER_00: If you belong to him, you are no longer condemned.
SPEAKER_00: His grace has the final word.
SPEAKER_00: Begin by thanking God for his unfailing mercy.
SPEAKER_00: Thank him that his grace is greater than every failure and that his love has never depended on your perfect performance.
SPEAKER_00: Let the kindness he has shown you again and again come to the front of your mind.
SPEAKER_00: Tell him honestly about the memories that still fill you with regret or shame.
SPEAKER_00: Ask him to help you see yourself through the truth of his word instead of through the lens of your past.
SPEAKER_00: Pray that he would replace self-condemnation with the truth of his forgiveness.
SPEAKER_00: Take a slow breath and let these words settle deep into your heart.
SPEAKER_00: There is no condemnation.
SPEAKER_00: Ask God to remind them of His grace, quiet every accusing voice, and help them believe the freedom found in Jesus Christ.
SPEAKER_00: Thank you that your grace is greater than our failures, and your mercy is new every morning.
SPEAKER_00: Help us believe what you have declared over us, walk in the freedom you have given, and extend that same grace to ourselves and to others.
SPEAKER_00: In Jesus' name.
SPEAKER_00: Amen.