Step 2: Peace with Yourself

Part 1

Part 2

Last week we discovered that the 12 steps of recovery to all kinds of different addictions was actually written by two Christians and are really just biblical principles lined out in an easy way to help people get back to health and to be closer to Christ. 

 

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. Matthew 5:8

 

One of the things that holds a lot of us back from experiencing peace within is this: the ability to forgive yourself. 

 

We are often the most hard on ourselves because we see all our mistakes. 

 

Not All Guilt is Created Equal 

 

False Guilt vs Godly Sorrow

 

10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Cor 7:10

 

Worldly sorrow- and worldly sorrow brings death. - Cycles in our minds and gets worse and worse. 

 

59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:59-61 

 

  • • Guilt says, “I did something bad.” 
  • • Shame says, “I am bad.”

 

Shame is the devil's playground.

 

Satan wants to use your shame to drive you away from God. But God wants to use your guilt to draw you to His grace.

 

Think about this: 

Peter and Judas Committed the same sin

  • Judas—has what many of us have- Worldly sorrow (caught, embarrassed, ashamed—backed away from God took life) 
  • Peter—Godly sorrow (wrong, sorry, leads to repentance) 

 

If you’ve confessed it to Jesus, its forgiven and you need to let it go. 

Let it go. 

 

9 If we confess our sins, he [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 

 

You can’t change your past. But God can change your future!! 

 

Forgiveness doesn’t change your past- Frees you for a better future!