Question

[647a]

After apologizing for doing wrong why is it that I have diffculty in forgiving myself even after perhaps the person I wronged has accepted my apology. I am very sincere in my apology however the guilt continues afterwards. Why is it that I have difficulty in forgiving myself? I can forgive others and move on way before I do myself.

[The Rev]

Because the devil is the great accuser. If you are miserable then he's happy and done his job. We sometimes forget that we need to learn to forgive ourselves. Remembering that God loves us unconditionally, regardless what we have done in the past should serve as a reminder that if God can forgive us, then we must forgive ourselves, and press on to the prize.

[Chuck7]

It all depends on what you did..If you went out and murdered someone you may have guilt forever. Guilt can be a good thing brother..Guilt is what causes many of usto get serious with God and repent.

But I must balance whatI just said with this...God can free you totally from the guilt of any sin but he also uses a broken humble heart of helplessness too.

[CalHunter]

I've always noticed that good people are harder on themselves and hold themselves to a higher standard. Whyile I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable as the esteemed members above me, perhaps you might want to consider spending more time in prayer about it. I've noticed when I try to pray less about something, i don't always feel like God is listening. Then when i spend more time (and get more focused), God seems to listen more. It's probably just me or maybe he's teaching me something as well. Hope this helps.

[manuman]

Possibly it is due to your emotional makeup. When you forgive others, you know you have and therefore you 'feel' the release. But, when you ask for forgiveness, you still 'feel' the guilt based on the actual events that led up to your confession, and since you still 'feel' the guilt you doubt your status before God of being forgiven. The 'feelings' or emotions linked to the event are secondary to the truth contained in God's promise to forgive. He has said that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. That is God speaking, not your emotions. Continue to trust what He says above your feelings, and the truth of His promise will become greater thna your emotions.