How should you respond to someone who struggles to forgive herself for a past abortion? Colleen Tronson, director of Metro Women's Center in Crystal, MN, has this advice:
"Forgiveness of self is not a Biblical concept. . . . if we could forgive ourselves, we would not need the Lord's forgiveness! Forgiveness is [received] by looking up, not by looking in the mirror! . . . Ongoing 'un-forgiveness' of self is basically saying that what Christ did on the Cross was limited or insufficient (Rom. 8:1-2; Col. 1:13; Micah 7:18-19; 1 John 1:9; 2 Cor. 5:17). . . . Our past sins can affect how we think today, but we need to 'take every thought captive.' When old issues come up, speak the truth about God's forgiveness right back at them. The fact of God's unlimited forgiveness to us (when we repent) should remind us of His graciousness and mercy and cause us to praise Him more and to meditate on Psalm 18:1-6 that speaks about God as our rock and fortress and that His help is available."
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