You're a product of your past, but you don't have to be a prisoner of it! When you refuse to forgive yourself, you're making a decision to be miserable for the rest of your life. And here are some other consequences you may not have considered:

(1) It's not just about you! Misery loves company. When you keep beating yourself up, your loved ones get beaten up too. It's inevitable, because when you wallow in guilt you're more withdrawn and critical, and less open and affectionate. That means your spouse, kids, parents, co-workers, friends (even your dog!) , suffers along with you.

(2) Your mind affects your body! Doctors say that unforgiveness generates chemicals that directly affect your vital organs. They increase your heart are, raise your blood pressure, disrupt your digestion, tense your muscles, dump cholesterol into your bloodstream and reduce your ability to think clearly. Each time you revisit your past, those bad feelings deliver another zap of corrosive chemicals. Science is only now confirming what God has always known, namely, that those who don't forgive themselves and others, are more prone to heart attacks, depression, hypertension and other serious illnesses.

(3) You get stuck in the past! God said, "To everything there is a season" (Ecc. 3:1). Once you've repented and been forgiven, the season for regret is over. You need to start looking ahead, otherwise you'll get permanently mired in a bog of your own making. The Bible says, "Accepted in the beloved...we have...forgiveness." So forgive yourself, and anybody else you need to, and get on with your life.

On the right note K-Love Ministries 3/04

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 1:6-7

1:6 So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son.

1:7 He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven.