Day 99

On Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:31-32

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

   You feel anger, bitterness, resentment, and revenge when someone hurts, you. You don’t want to forgive. How can you, when you feel so angry? Friend, forgiveness is a choice to give an undeserved gift. It’s also a gift to yourself; you will feel emotional and physical blessings when you decide to forgive.  Experiments at the University of Washington discovered unforgiveness literally weighs a person down. Studies also show those who forgive have better physical health, higher self-esteem, and healthier relationships.

   Forgiveness is tough. But it’s also liberating. With it you can be freed from the past and relieved of your burden. Because Jesus has lavished us with the gift of undeserved forgiveness, we, too, can offer the gift of forgiveness to others. Colossians 3 says, “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (v.13) Are you staggering under a burden of bitterness? Throw it off. Be released. Usher in gratitude for the ability to be forgiven and to forgive. Let your soul rejoice in freedom forgiveness brings.

   How has forgiveness (either from God or another person) positively impacted you?