For the last three weeks we have been looking at overcoming shame and self-rejection. Two weeks ago we began a practical process for doing this. We continued that last week. This week we continue with that process as we work through the final steps of confession of sin and reconciliation.
Step 6. Now that you have accepted your younger self you need to confess any negative thoughts and feelings you have harbored against your younger self . Those are sins against yourself. Therefore, confess to your younger self your sins of rejection, and negative thoughts and beliefs toward your younger self . Repeat all the negative thoughts you expressed earlier and confess those as sins. When done, wait silently for a few moments to see if your younger self responds, if your younger self responds then you can further respond. It is okay if your younger self does not respond at this point.
Step 7. Ask your younger self for forgiveness. Ask forgiveness from your younger self by saying “will you forgive me for [list your offenses]”. Then wait for an answer from your younger self . Most of the time your younger self will forgive right away. If your younger self does not forgive, there may be more sin to confess.
Step 8. Ask yourself what your younger self needs from you now? Are you willing to give him/her what they need now? Go ahead and say or do whatever it is.
Step 9. Now consider whether you want to reunite with your younger self. Sometimes people are not ready to reunite because they have not completed fully accepting their younger self. (Your past rejection actually cut off your younger self from yourself.)
Step 10. If you are ready to reunite then tell your younger self that you want to reunite and invite your younger self to merge back into you. Then ask Jesus to reunite the two of you. Wait for this to happen and let it run its course. Let Jesus take as long as he wants and do whatever he wants; don’t interrupt what is happening. This can be a very healing event in your life.
Step 11. Accept your emotions back into yourself. When you rejected or cut off part of yourself you probably also cut off emotions. However, you need your emotions to live a healthy life. Sometimes people cut off their emotions because they don’t want to burden their parents with their emotions or because their parents rejected some or all of their emotions. It is essential that you accept your emotions back in. Say: “I accept back into myself all my emotions. I remove all barriers I ever set up against feeling my emotions. I am thankful for my emotions, they are helpful, and I will learn how to manage them. Jesus, please bring my emotions completely back to me.” Wait a couple minutes to let this happen.
Step 12. Rejoice and thank Jesus for all he has done. Focus on him and ask him to cement what he has done and to complete anything else that still needs completion.
Step 13. Guard your mind and heart. Don’t drift back into old patterns. Keep a watch and learn the new patterns and remain in them. You can meditate on Scripture about your identity and destiny or find a book on the topic.
