Get Your Premium Membership

Love Requires Forgiveness--A Reminder to Myself

At times, you failed your family, yourself, and God. Your conscience wouldn't quiet down until you said, "I'm sorry. Could you please forgive me?" All said "yes," but still you felt remaining guilt you couldn't rise above. You couldn't comprehend your frame of mind, the feeling that--no matter how you tried-- you couldn't do enough to make amends. You prayed to find the path to happiness and knew that only God could show the way. Then God revealed the truth you'd failed to grasp, that peace and joy cannot abide in hearts of those who can’t love or forgive themselves. You felt the ease of conscience you’d long sought when shackles of self-loathing fell away. You still fail God, yourself, and family, and you will do so till you breathe your last; but now you can love and forgive yourself, for love enables people to forgive. If love of self were wrong, would God have said that we should love our neighbors as ourselves?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 3/10/2025 1:01:00 PM
Janice your examination of self love including forgiveness is powerful and poignant! I especially like the ending question which is a great statement as well! Congratulations on your win in my contest!
Login to Reply
Canerdy Avatar
Janice Canerdy
Date: 3/12/2025 7:40:00 AM
Karen, thanks SO much!! Janice
Date: 3/8/2025 8:55:00 AM
What a powerful write you have here. Great Ending... Have a blessed day as you write away............
Login to Reply
Canerdy Avatar
Janice Canerdy
Date: 3/9/2025 6:00:00 AM
Paula, thank you so much! Janice
Date: 3/8/2025 4:32:00 AM
We all fail in ways that are not pleasing to ourselves and others, but we have to forgive ourselves and try to improve each day with the help of God. We are human and imperfect, but someday we will be in that perfect state with God. Way to go. Sara K
Login to Reply
Canerdy Avatar
Janice Canerdy
Date: 3/9/2025 6:00:00 AM
Yes, someday . . . ! Thanks so much, Sara. Janice

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry