So many people doubt their self-worth and refuse to let themselves feel hope. As if punishing themselves somehow. And sometimes I do the same thing…thinking I don’t deserve to feel good or receive another chance.

But the very point of forgiveness and grace is that it is undeserved.

When others extend that courtesy to us (and even when they don’t) we need to extend that same courtesy to ourselves. When I fall, I try to remind myself that tackling a giant in my life will not happen overnight.

It’s a process.

So I get back up and try again, rather than hate myself and my failure. If I didn’t do this and didn’t accept others’ forgiveness, I would never be able to live with myself and enjoy the present.

I have found it to be incredibly freeing when I realize that God forgives me every time and that He truly hopes I will let go of my mistake and move on to live in victory and hope. That gives me the boost I need to not beat myself up or wallow in self-pity or self-loathing.

He loves me regardless of what I do or don’t do. THAT’S grace. 1 John 1:9, 4:9,10