Using II Corinthians 5:19

For Forgiving Self and Feelings of Worthlessness

Child of God Counseling* II Corinthians 5:19

When a person doubts that God could ever forgive him or her.

Do you have doubt that God could ever forgive you?

The exercise below is most beneficial when working with a Christian therapist who specializes in your particular issues.  In considering this exercise you will also be helped by talking to your pastor or to a Christian friend who can keep confidences.

At the end of this page you may “find a therapist” to help you based on your needs.

Interactive excersize

chalkboard

List what roles you play in life.

(son, daughter, mother, father, job title, addict, victim, etc.)

Now, list who you are. No, really, who are you?

(List as many things as you can think of. Cross off items as another item takes on a fuller meaning of the true you.)

II Corinthians 5:19 is very helpful for you to see how God looks at you.

“…that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

 

Now let’s chart this passage out so we can see it visually:

According to God’s words in II Corinthians 5:19:

  • Who is doing the work in this passage?
  • Through whom is he doing it?
  • What is he doing?
  • For how many people is he doing it?
  • Is anyone left out?
  • What does that mean about you?
  • If you are not left out, then God sent his Son to pay for your sin of….
  • Is that what God says?
  • Do you believe in Jesus as your Savior from your sin of…?
  • What does that mean for you that you are a child of God, a believer in Jesus Christ?
  • In which of your roles are things going badly?
  • As you think about this role in which things are going badly, what does it mean to you that God says that you are his child?
  • Are you still having trouble forgiving yourself?
  • You might want to consider this striking challenge:
  • “Who are you to play God and not forgive yourself
    when God has forgiven you!”
  • Remember, God through Jesus, is in charge of forgiving sins, not you.
  • God loves you!  Be at Peace!
  • You are His child by His grace through faith in the redemptive work of Jesus for you!

* Loosely based on the work of Dr. Brian Terrell.  Revised by Alan H. Siggelkow

The above exercise has greater benefit when working with a Christian therapist, your pastor, or a fellow Christian. Interaction and accountability with another person who can provide understanding and encouragement is reinforced in therapy sessions.

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