Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:32 (NIV)
“Be” Series – Part 5 – Be Forgiving
I love talking about forgiveness because it's such a liberating experience. Holding onto bitterness and pain caused by others is like clenching broken glass in your mouth and hands. Better to spit it out and be rid of it than to hang onto it tightly. It's only gonna cut you more in the long run anyway. From a place of unforgiveness your pain will start affecting the way you relate to other people who have had nothing to do with the original situations that caused you pain in the first place. When that starts to happen, it's a downward spiral of broken relationships and a life of hardship – something God never intended you to live. But it is a trap the enemy wants you to get caught in.
When you're stuck in pain, you're not living a life of overflow, emotionally, and so have nothing to give. If you've got nothing to give then you're not in a position to help others who are stuck or trapped also. That's why God says He wants us blessed, pressed down, shaken and overflowing (Luke 6:38). Unforgiveness is one of those ploys from the enemy to “steal, kill and destroy” you and the plight of humanity. It steals joy, kills relationships and destroys opportunities for blessing. And let's face it, although it feels good for a little while, it's always a yucky feeling to have around long-term.
It's actually the mark of generosity to be forgiving.
Choose today to let go of the pain of past situations and relationships. BE FORGIVING. After all Jesus models this to each and everyone of us doesn't He? Make choices today that will make it awesome…for you and for others…in Jesus name…
