A couple of days ago my daughter was doing dishes with me. When she went to put the last plate in the dishwasher, it slipped out of her little wet hands. It came crashing down to the floor and split in two. Oh my, how her spirit was crushed – but mine wasn’t. I allow room for her to be human and make mistakes. I gave her a big hug and said, “those things happen sometimes. I’m not mad at you. I forgive you.”
Two days later I was stacking clean dishes and I didn’t lift one dish high enough. The edges collided with each other and now the dish has a chip in it. Thankfully I can still use the dish but it’s certainly damaged.
Lord, I am incredibly hard on myself! I love these dishes. Why did a 1/2 inch error in my judgement make me ruin something I love? I’m just so bummed. And the real question that’s going on in my heart is, “Why did I have so much grace for my daughter’s mistake but not for myself. What is really going on here?”
God’s word to us: I’m glad you asked, for this is an important question. You don’t expect her to be perfect but you expect yourself to be. Here lies the answer to your quandary. Love yourself just as much as I have loved you. I have forgiven all of your mistakes. I have forgiven every single one of them whether there was sin involved or not. Now go away from this and be unashamed, for I have already covered it at the cross.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
My Heart’s Cry for you is to believe that God loves you. If you have asked Jesus to be your Savior, then He has forgiven all your mistakes and even all your sins. I believe God also wants us to apply this to ourselves, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Sometimes it’s hardest to forgive ourselves for mishandling something. We give grace to our kids for not being perfect, but we don’t give ourselves that same grace. We are so hard on ourselves. Take a moment and remember God’s great love for you. Then take time to love and forgive yourself, so you can forgive others. Love God first, love others, and then love yourself.
Lord, Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Matthew 6:12
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