Forgiven, Not Damaged

There’s this thing the devil does that’s just wild.

He brings to mind the foolish, reckless, and terrible things I’ve done in the past.

That used to throw me off balance, make me feel like a hypocrite.

But I’ve learned to forgive myself for the things I did before.

Yes, I did something bad, but that doesn’t make me damaged.

Yes, I’ve done things I’m not proud of, but even so, I’m still loved by God.

I am the redeemed of the Lord.

So when life goes south, remember to forgive yourself.

Because guilt can become a tool the devil uses to haunt you again and again.

Pastor Kenny would say,

“It’s the knowledge of God you have on your inside that determines how well you can resist the devil.”

And now that I know this, that there’s been a great exchange, that who Christ was is who I am now, i becomes almost impossible to fall for the devil’s guilt trips anymore.

Have you ever felt damaged?

Like if people knew what you’ve done or what you’re capable of doing, they’d be shocked?

Ever felt like a scam?

Dear reader, I’ve felt that too. It comes in waves. Some days, it’s as subtle as an insensitive joke, other days, it’s heavy like a storm cloud ready to burst.

But I’ve learned to forgive myself.

I stay away from things that would drag me back there, i’ve learned that a mistake doesn’t make me damaged.

I’ve learned to cut myself some slack.

Because if you let him, wallahi, the devil will use everything you’ve ever done wrong to guilt-trip you into chronic depression.

What helps?

Knowing God, truly understanding who He is.

As a son, you don’t need to fear the way a slave does.

He’s called you son.

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, you can do that will separate you from the love of God.

Don’t forget that.

Don’t ever second-guess His love or how much you mean to Him.

@favvy_Okwans🖤.