Forgiveness: I Just Can't Forgive Myself

CCEF Minibooks

by Robert D. Jones

Sally, a Christian, laments having an abortion years ago. ?I know the Lord has forgiven me, but I just can?t forgive myself.? What would you say to her? Maybe you yourself have struggled with ?self-forgiveness? and wonder how to deal with feelings of guilt. Why is self-forgiveness such an attractive notion? What, if anything, does the Bible say about it? Robert D. Jones identifies five possible assumptions behind the longing for self-forgiveness. In the process, he pinpoints a deeper problem-and a deeper solution to ongoing guilt. By dispelling a number of misconceptions, Jones clears the path to a joyful realization of complete forgiveness in Christ.

Genres: Counselling

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2000

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Robert D. Jones (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) serves as a biblical counseling professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a certified biblical counselor, a Christian conciliator, an adjunct instructor, and a church reconciliation trainer with Peacemaker Ministries. Jones is the author of Uprooting Anger and has written numerous ministry booklets and articles.

Reviews

[aiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but nuanced, biblical, merciful, and full of gospel hope book on self-forgiveness.

[Flo · Rating 4 out of 5]

gut. macht deutlich, dass die Bibel allein vertikale Vergebung (Gott vergibt Menschen) und horizontale Vergebung (Menschen vergeben anderen Menschen) kennt.

Was fälschlich als Problem, "sich selbst zu vergeben" diagnostiziert wird, ist in Wahrheit eines von 5 Dingen:
1. die Unfähigkeit oder der Unwille, Gottes Vergebung zu empfangen
2. die Leugnung der eigenen sündigen Natur ("ich kann nicht glauben, dass ICH dazu fähig war")
3. das Bedauern darüber, Chancen verpasst zu haben und Wünsche nicht erfüllen zu können
4. eigene Maßstäbe für Gerechtigkeit aufzubauen ("ich habe meinen eigenen Erwartungen oder denen anderer Menschen nicht entsprochen")
5. selbst die Rolle des Richters einzunehmen (damit wäre derselbe Mensch ja Täter, Opfer und Richter zugleich)

[Kaitlyn Pindak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Difficult read because it cuts to the truth but liberating because, again, it cuts to the truth!

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good biblical approach to those struggling with feelings of guilt for a variety of reasons.

[Joanne Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent