I needed to hear this decades ago. Maybe I did. I was bulletproof and tomorrow was another day, thus I led a sinful life even when I knew better. Addiction, self satisfying actions of all kinds at any cost. Redemption? I even questioned that I was even worth God's Grace well into middle age.
I tell you that self centric life didn't sit well with me. And the self imposed guilt over the years kept me repeating sin over and over. To run from it.
Thankfully I have repented and Received the Sacrament of Absolution. Who am I not to forgive myself when God has?
I would only add this: I don't know from what tradition you come, but in mine, a concept of "self-forgiveness" is not something that exists, or if there are any references to it, they are sparse and probably very limited by context (I don't recall ever reading any, though, and suspect it is a modern phenomenon).
The act of sacramental forgiveness is brought to fruition through the subsequent penitential eradication of the sin. Remember that St. Mary of Egypt, the most extreme and harsh example of repentance, only fled to the desert after confessing and receiving communion. Self-forgiveness would have precluded the most profound example of repentance in the history of the Church. To the contrary, there is no shortage of patristic entreaties to maintain a state of self-condemnation. But this is toward a penitential end, and the only thing that matters is being cleansed before God.
I was raised Roman Catholic and attended catechism through Confirmation. I have no issues with My God.
I think that I may have confused "self- forgiveness with guilt.
I had several confessions with a priest during my sinful years. By no means on a regular basis. Only to sin again. I strayed from the Righteous path almost immediately after I stepped out of the confessional in many cases.
Yes I agree, True Forgiveness comes from only one source.
I wore a Hair Shirt for years. Taking time out regularly for some (Symbolic) unholy self flagellation that kept me at the mercy of Satan and sin.
I know not my reasoning, at that time, but am Grateful to have arrived at this point as a Faithful Believer. I would not be here without God's Grace.
Wow! Yes, the providence of God is an unknowable mystery! It sounds like you have a rich history, in every sense of the word. You are blessed to have ended up where you are. Thank you!
I needed to hear this decades ago. Maybe I did. I was bulletproof and tomorrow was another day, thus I led a sinful life even when I knew better. Addiction, self satisfying actions of all kinds at any cost. Redemption? I even questioned that I was even worth God's Grace well into middle age.
I tell you that self centric life didn't sit well with me. And the self imposed guilt over the years kept me repeating sin over and over. To run from it.
Thankfully I have repented and Received the Sacrament of Absolution. Who am I not to forgive myself when God has?
That's a beautiful comment. Thank you.
I would only add this: I don't know from what tradition you come, but in mine, a concept of "self-forgiveness" is not something that exists, or if there are any references to it, they are sparse and probably very limited by context (I don't recall ever reading any, though, and suspect it is a modern phenomenon).
The act of sacramental forgiveness is brought to fruition through the subsequent penitential eradication of the sin. Remember that St. Mary of Egypt, the most extreme and harsh example of repentance, only fled to the desert after confessing and receiving communion. Self-forgiveness would have precluded the most profound example of repentance in the history of the Church. To the contrary, there is no shortage of patristic entreaties to maintain a state of self-condemnation. But this is toward a penitential end, and the only thing that matters is being cleansed before God.
Thank you for your insight.
I was raised Roman Catholic and attended catechism through Confirmation. I have no issues with My God.
I think that I may have confused "self- forgiveness with guilt.
I had several confessions with a priest during my sinful years. By no means on a regular basis. Only to sin again. I strayed from the Righteous path almost immediately after I stepped out of the confessional in many cases.
Yes I agree, True Forgiveness comes from only one source.
I wore a Hair Shirt for years. Taking time out regularly for some (Symbolic) unholy self flagellation that kept me at the mercy of Satan and sin.
I know not my reasoning, at that time, but am Grateful to have arrived at this point as a Faithful Believer. I would not be here without God's Grace.
Thanks for your kind and encouraging words.
I realize I have much to learn. And that I am teachable. Bless You...
Wow! Yes, the providence of God is an unknowable mystery! It sounds like you have a rich history, in every sense of the word. You are blessed to have ended up where you are. Thank you!
Very well said!