Did you know that the best way to atone for transgression is to forgive yourself?

Question

and make efforts to right your offenses with those whom you offended? It's infinitely more fulfilling than just praying alone. That's why Jews atone with the people they offended as well as with God, it reinforces being good people because if enforces accountability for your actions. You can do the same, with or without a god.

Christians, I'm not telling you not to pray for forgiveness, I'm asking you to be accountable not just to god, but also your fellow man. If someone steals your car, are you satisfied with them just praying to Jesus for forgiveness, or do you want your stuff back too, in the same condition it was when they stole it? Same thing applies to you. If you wrong someone, make it right. They'll come to forgive you, and you'll be a better, happier person for it.

Answer 1

As a Catholic, I agree heartily. You can't just go around sinning and say, "I'll just keep doing it because He'll forgive me no matter what." Then you are not truly sorry. Religion is more than worshipping a god; it's about becoming a better person, atoning and avoiding sin no matter what. Whether you're religious or not, this is what you should do in life.

Answer 2

No. This is a mistaken way.

Jesus Christ is the only atonement for sin. The sin in our nature which separates from God requires His atonement. God always points out what offenses against others need to be corrected. This is not a "do you know" for Christians; or anybody who has a functioning conscience.

Forgiving yourself is not necessary, let alone best. People who retain guilt do so because they have not accepted God's forgiveness through the blood atonement of Jesus Christ; or because they do not really believe God has forgiven them. (This latter type of person is the only type your question can speak to; and it speaks condolence rather then loving correction.)

As St. Paul said to the Greek philosophers, quoting a Greek poet: "In him (God) we live and move and have our being. Therefore nothing we do is done without God, including our next breath. What you are teaching leaves people bound in sin and death; with responsibility for that resting on you.

Scripture commands men to pray and Christians to pray without ceasing. You make prayer just a 'less fulfilling feel good thing' by your statement. Your question, compared to gospel teaching, is not something that Christians should, could or would consider.

Answer 3

I would disagree. If i were able to forgive myself, why would i need CHRIST? Then HIS atonement for my sins would not be necessary.
But, yes again, accountability to fellow men is preached by CHRIST as a superior way to that of the law.

Answer 4

as a christian, i want to tell you that we do not pray for forgiveness. our sins have been forgiven by the death and resurrection of Jesus. we confess our new and everyday sins to God and to our fellow man if possible. we need to forgive everyone who has transgressed against us or we cannot be forgiven.

Answer 5

Sin is not forgiven by God, unless blood is shed for that sinner in place of that sinner. "For the life of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul." (Lev 17:11)

Answer 6

Excellent points!

Most people cannot forgive themselves, and are often too ashamed or embarrassed (or too prideful to humble themselves) to face the other people to make things right. (Or maybe too cheap!)

Answer 7

Totally agree
Treat others as you want to be treated.

Answer 8

Amen brother.

Answer 9

Are you mormon?

Answer 10

The Bible teaches as much, thanks though.