In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he states, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32. In The Message version of the Bible it reads like this ^“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”

Do you think this is easy? Many people really struggle with forgiving. Just an FYI, forgiving someone of the misdeed does not mean that you approve of what was done, but you are letting go. Forgiveness frees you of carrying anger or pain or unending heaviness.  Practice forgiving yourself of your own mistakes, misdeeds or shame.  Give yourself grace. Be sensitive to your faults.  We all have them.  Forgive those who have wronged you. Within a court room setting, I have heard parents or families forgive a perpetrator that perhaps killed their child/family member.  How do they manage those words, “I forgive you?”  When you are able to forgive, and give grace, it is actually a spiritual moment. Christ forgives you! True healing can begin and peace can take the place of unforgiveness.

Christ never intended for us to hang on to anger or unforgiveness. Those two “pains” can begin “to eat at you” from the inside. Jesus’ death on the cross forgave us of all our sins, each and every one of them. He sacrificed Himself for us. Because we believe in Him and know that He has forgiven us, we need to follow His example. Forgive others and yourself. The burden of pain and anger will be lifted from you.  Healing can happen. Forgive sooner than later, you will be glad you did. You are unconditionally loved by Him.

Jill