Sometimes it’s not easy to forgive ourselves. Fact is, it can be the hardest thing to do and be the greatest obstacle between a relationship with God and ourselves. The greatest commandments are: Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself. We would not resign ourselves to hell for an offense of which we condemn ourselves would we? We would desire the grace of another to help us restore a right relationship. Likewise God will not resign to hell one who has the capacity to repent. How can we resign another to hell for an offense against us?

David committed a most heinous offense. He not only committed adultery, but also murder. Nathan had every right to condemn such a one worthy to be brought before trial as a capital offense according to the Law. Yet as a representative of God, God’s prophet Nahan allowed an opportunity for David to convict himself of his own sin—a sin before God—and in repentance produce the fruits of repentance. Psalm 51 stands out as one of the greatest psalms of all time that may not have existed if David were executed.

We are told to forgive others as many times as it takes (70 x 7), even if the offense is against God Himself. An offense against us is without question commanded to be forgiven (Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13). Jesus himself offered forgiveness from the cross. Paul says in Philippians 4:8 and 9, “As you have seen me do, do likewise.” He forgave many in the church and the synagogue who provided him reason to rejoice over the offenses and sufferings he endured for the sake of Christ.

Romans 13:8—“Be indebted to no one except to owe them our love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”