Optional guilt is what we wrestle with when our mind replays what if or if only, as we wish that a series of events--tragic, heartbreaking, somehow "preventable" in our optional guilt thinking--had never taken place.
I replay choices I've made over decades and wonder at the myriad of ways I could have chosen or at least impacted the series of events to change the outcome for the better.
What is the fruit of that thinking?
No fruit; only lashes to self.
Why do we lash out at ourselves when Jesus took those lashes for us?
I honor Jesus when I forgive myself. Then His sacrifice for me is not in vain.
It takes mental application to choose forgiveness of self as much as it takes physical application to choose exercise for our bodies.
I may wait until tomorrow to exercise but I'm choosing today (and every day) to pray this prayer:
Jesus, I will never understand how You suffered to give me freedom to forgive myself from "what if" and "if only." But it honors You and defeats the enemy of God when I present my optional guilt as an offering to You. Thank you for Your help as I release it to You.Freedom from optional guilt is a beautiful thing.
