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On the one hand, many people are much too quick to forgive themselves. Sin is an alien concept and guilt is a very unpopular feeling. People don't necessarily hold themselves to a very high standard. Self-forgiveness might sometimes be a symptom of selfishness or irresponsibility. On the other hand, God doesn't want his people consumed with guilt -- it is contrary to his purpose for the Christian life to struggle with debts that have already been paid. Rather he wants us to be honest about our past, present, and potential failures, but forgiven and growing, not consumed with guilt. Paul alludes to being freed from regret when we know we are forgiven by God in 2 Cor 7:10 "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (from New International Version) Notice that the freedom from regret follows repentance, and is in contrast to either wallowing in regret or the shallow self-forgiveness that amounts to mere acceptance of our own flaws. For the Christian, awareness of guilt should produce regret, leading to repentance, resulting in freedom -- awareness that the debt no longer remains. God want's his people to "set our hearts at rest in his presence." Unresolved guilt would conflict with that peace with God (1 John 3:18-20 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. NIV) David's plea for renewal after awful sins (Psalm 51) also indicated a realization that forgiveness by God included a new attitude in him, freedom from the despair his own actions had brought, beginning from his own acknowledgement of grievous failure. Ps 51:3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
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Ps 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
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Ps 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
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Ps 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
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Ps 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
(from New International Version) 1 Cor 4:3-5
3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
(from New International Version)
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