Self-Hatred as a Barrier to One’s Calling

This article was published at Crisis Magazine. The introduction follows.

Forgiveness is a difficult topic for most of us, and it is usually focused on the pardon of those who have wronged us, whether maliciously or negligently. We don’t typically give much thought to that other forgiveness.

Each of us knows the weight of our own sins, for regret can be a searing pain. What about forgiving ourselves of our past offenses? How necessary might that be? If we have attempted to make amends to those whom we have wronged, and we have taken the incident to God via sacramental confession, is there more to be done?

Some individuals attempt to justify a position of lifelong self-loathing, long after they have been forgiven by God and even by neighbor. That cannot be a Christian position. It would deny the Christian message of redemption and renewal, which lies at the core of Christ’s sacrifice.

Please continue reading the full article at Crisis Magazine. Crisis does not accept comments but you are welcome to leave them below. This one is more theological than most that I write, and I would be especially interested to hear your thoughts.