Q:
Maybe God will forgive me for some of the things I've done, but I'll never be able to forgive myself. I've done so many bad things and hurt so many people along the way that I'll always feel guilty. I wish I could live my life over again, but I can't. Is there any hope for me?
A:
I’ve often said that one of life’s hardest lessons is that we can’t change the past. We can try to forget it, or come up with excuses for what we did, even convince ourselves it wasn’t as bad as it really was, but we can’t change it.
But listen: God can forgive our past — totally and completely! Why would He do this? The reason is because He loves us and wants us to spend all eternity with Him in heaven. Only one thing can keep us out of heaven, and that is our sin. But God wants to forgive our sins, and not only forgive them, but cleanse us of them. Yes, what you’ve done is wrong, but God still loves you and wants to forgive you.
How is this possible? It’s possible because of Jesus Christ. He came from heaven to become the final and complete sacrifice for our sins. Think of it: Every sin you ever committed — without exception — was placed on Him, and He took upon Himself the judgment that you and I deserve.
Don’t let another day go by without Christ. By faith turn to Him, telling Him you’re sorry for your sins and that you trust Him alone for your salvation. Then ask Him to help you forgive yourself, just as He has forgiven you, fully and completely. The Bible says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).