Haunted By Past Sins: Can I Ever Move On?

Many people struggle to move on from their past sins, even if they have been forgiven. Christians, for example, often feel shame for their past sins. This can be a heavy burden, but there are ways to overcome it. One way is to focus on the fact that Jesus is more concerned with the person than their sins, and that he died for people, not their sins. It is also important to remember that Christ died for our sins once and for all, and that God will not remember our sins. Another way to move on is to turn to scriptures and the word of God for truth, peace, and freedom.

Remember that you are not alone in feeling shame for your past sins

It is completely normal to feel shame for your past sins. Many Christians struggle with the same issue, and it is something that God's people have experienced throughout the ages. The Apostle Paul, for example, thought of himself as the "chief of sinners" because he had slaughtered Christians. However, he also knew that his true identity was in Christ, and he was able to find peace and redemption through his faith.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in your struggles. Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, a Christian pastor and theologian, has said that he feels the same way and that it is a common experience for God's people. He offers some helpful advice for dealing with these feelings of shame. Firstly, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel correctly. This means recognizing that Christ died for our sins once and for all, and that everything needed for our forgiveness has already been done. We need to remember that our justification in Christ is perfect and that our sins have been fully pardoned.

Secondly, Dr. Ferguson suggests that we need to get the Lord Jesus right. He explains that Jesus is not just waiting to punish us for our sins, but that He is far more concerned about us as individuals. Jesus died for our sins because He cares about us and wants to free us from them, not to keep bringing them up. So, instead of focusing on our shame, we should turn our eyes to Christ and seek His forgiveness and redemption.

In addition to the guidance offered by Dr. Ferguson, there are other strategies that can help you deal with feelings of shame for your past sins. For example, memorizing and reflecting on Bible verses that speak to God's forgiveness and grace can be comforting. Psalm 51:10, for instance, says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This verse reminds us of God's power to transform and renew us, despite our past sins.

Another strategy is to find a supportive community or seek counsel from a pastor or spiritual leader. Sharing your struggles with others who understand and empathize can help you feel less alone and provide you with encouragement and guidance on your journey toward healing. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope and redemption to be found in Christ.

Focus on the gospel and Jesus Christ, not your sins

The past is something that no one can change, and it is common for people to be haunted by their past sins. However, instead of dwelling on past transgressions, the focus should be on the gospel and Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul, who considered himself the "chief of sinners" due to his persecution of Christians, found a new identity in Christ, seated with him in heaven. Similarly, Christians today can find their true identity in Christ, knowing that they have been redeemed and delivered from their sins.

Jesus came so that people could be free from sin and inherit eternal life. By receiving him in faith and repenting of sins, individuals can experience freedom and a new life in Christ. This freedom from sin is not something that can be earned or achieved through works but is a gift from God, made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus.

When individuals focus on Christ and His gospel, they can experience joy and success beyond what they thought possible. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is found in the salvation offered by God through Jesus. By labouring to bring others to Christ and helping them find the same joy, Christians can maintain this joy even through trials and difficulties.

Instead of focusing on sins, Christians should fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith. This shift in focus enables individuals to experience the power of God in their lives and to walk in newness of life, no longer bound by their past sins but free in Christ.

Humble yourself before God and ask for forgiveness

The Bible says in James 4:10, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." This means that we should bow down to God, acknowledging our dependence on Him, and He will exalt us and care for us. We can do this by routinely and sincerely confessing our sins to God and to others, and by choosing to forgive and serve others.

When we humble ourselves before God, we are trusting Him and worshipping Him. We show that we believe He is the provider and that we don't have to carry everything on our shoulders. We can cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us.

Jesus himself is our ultimate example of humility. He humbled Himself and was obedient to God, even to the point of death on the cross. Because of this, God exalted Him. If Jesus practised humility, then why would we think we don't need to?

• Routinely confess your sins to God. Examine your heart and behaviours weekly, or even daily, and couple this with confession to God.
• Acknowledge your sins to others. True humility before God also includes humility before others. Share with trusted others the weaknesses you confess to God.
• Take wrong patiently. When something unjust happens, patiently respond to accusations and actions from others. This demonstrates strength of character and provides an opportunity to put on humility.
• Actively submit to authority. Our culture promotes individualism, but purposefully submitting to those in authority over us is a way to humble ourselves.
• Receive correction and feedback graciously. Thank people for sharing their thoughts with you, and pray about what they have said.
• Accept a lowly place. If you find yourself wanting to be recognised and honoured, then pride is present. Instead, support others in being recognised.
• Choose to serve others. When we serve, we are serving God's purposes in their lives, and we build His kingdom.
• Be quick to forgive. Forgiveness is a great act of humility because it acknowledges a wrong done to us and releases our right to repayment.
• Cultivate a grateful heart. The more we are grateful for the gift of salvation, the more our perspective of ourselves will align with the truth.
• Purpose to speak well of others. Speaking well of others builds them up. Make sure your words are sincere and not flattery.

When we are humble, we are trusting God. We are saying that we believe in His character—that He is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent. We can trust Him because He gave His one and only Son for us, showing us that He loves us.

Be selective about who you speak to about your past

When it comes to dealing with past sins and moving forward, it is crucial to exercise discretion in choosing who to confide in. While it can be tempting to share your struggles with anyone who will listen, doing so indiscriminately may lead to unintended consequences. Here are some reasons why being selective about your confidants is essential:

Protecting Your Vulnerability: Sharing intimate details of your past sins requires a certain level of vulnerability. Not everyone is worthy of witnessing this vulnerable side of you. Choose individuals who have earned your trust and demonstrated their support and empathy. They should be individuals who will respect your confidence and provide non-judgmental support.

Preserving Your Peace: Some people may use your past against you or bring it up repeatedly, causing you distress. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information with those who tend to be critical, judgmental, or unable to respect boundaries. Protect your peace of mind by confiding in individuals who will respect your journey toward redemption and not use your past sins as a weapon against you.

Finding Supportive Listeners: Seek out individuals who can offer constructive support and guidance. This could be a trusted friend, a therapist, or a spiritual advisor. Look for people who will listen without judgment and provide helpful perspectives or advice. They should be able to separate your past actions from who you are as a person and support your growth and transformation.

Allowing for Growth and Change: Sharing your past with the right people can foster growth and change. Confiding in supportive individuals can help you process your past sins, learn from them, and move forward. They can provide accountability and help you stay on a positive path. However, sharing with the wrong people can hinder this growth by reinforcing negative patterns or enabling self-destructive behaviors.

Respecting Your Confidant's Boundaries: Recognize that not everyone is equipped or willing to handle the weight of your past sins. Some people may have their own struggles or triggers, and hearing about your past may be detrimental to their well-being. Respect the boundaries of your confidants and be mindful of their limitations. Choose individuals who are emotionally capable of supporting you without compromising their own health.

In conclusion, being selective about who you speak to about your past sins is a wise and protective measure. By choosing your confidants carefully, you safeguard your vulnerability, maintain your peace of mind, and foster an environment conducive to growth and change. Remember, true healing comes from surrounding yourself with supportive and non-judgmental individuals who respect your journey toward redemption.

Protect yourself from returning to your previous lifestyle

Returning to old habits and ways of thinking can happen when things aren't going as planned or when you make a mistake. The old paths are deeply worn into your brain, and it takes time and effort to forge new tracks. Here are some strategies to protect yourself from returning to your previous lifestyle:

Forgive yourself: Shame, blame, and guilt can keep you locked in your old ways. Instead, practice self-compassion and understand that building new habits takes time.

Treat yourself with compassion: Be gentle, understanding, and compassionate with yourself, just as you would with a friend. Speak to yourself with kindness and encouragement.

Acknowledge your feelings and fears: Listen to and acknowledge your inner critic. Understand why it has certain fears, and assure yourself that things are different now.

Work on your mindset: Reflect on what triggered the slip-up and focus on the feelings and actions you want to cultivate. Journaling, meditation, affirmations, and therapy are great tools to work on your mindset.

Keep moving forward: Don't wait until tomorrow to get back on track. Pick up immediately where you slipped and continue moving forward on the new path.

Remind yourself of your "why": Focus on why you wanted to change in the first place and the reasons this change is important to you. Stay connected to your values and goals.

Seek support: If you're struggling to break free from your past sins and create new, healthy habits, consider seeking support from a therapist, counsellor, or a trusted friend or mentor.

Frequently asked questions