Ever heard the saying, "Don't beat yourself up over it?" Moving past your past is incredibly important, but people often express to me how hard it is for them to do it. "God can't forgive me for what I've done," is a common sentiment, but consider who our God is.

Our God is the God who forgives "wickedness, rebellion, and sin." (Exodus 34:7). He is God and not man; one who "delights to show mercy" (Micah 7.18). Our God is the Father who runs to the rebellious son and welcomes him back with a feast, music, and dancing. (Luke 15)

Our God is the God of mercy, and He desires that we show mercy to ourselves. "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13)