God is willing to forgive us, yet some people are not willing to forgive themselves. If God can forgive us for our sins, why would anyone not be willing to forgive himself? Some people feel a need to punish themselves.
Self-punishment never works. Such a person may constantly put himself down for something he did wrong many years ago. Self-punishment disagrees with God's mercy. God knows our sinful nature. The Bible declares that all have sinned.
Self-punishment means people seek to pay for their own sins. They may strive to do good things to make up for the wrong they have done. They don't understand that God provided a way for us to receive mercy and forgiveness.
JESUS is the complete and perfect sacrifice for sinners. He died to take away all of our sins. His punishment for us at the cross is sufficient for all our sins. He took our sins in his body at the cross. Those who repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ find total forgiveness. "The blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin" (1 John 1:7, NLT). Agree with God. Forgive yourself.
