Forgiveness

THERE seems to be so much anger in our world. Whether it manifests in road rage or tail gaiting out of an angry sense of our own self-importance, to subtle subversion and slander of others or passive aggressive behaviour because of unresolved anger issues.

How do we cut the chains that bind us? How do we release ourselves from the anger, hurt and pain and choose to forgive?

We need the grace and mercy of God.

Forgiveness is as hard to accomplish by an act of will as breaking a drug, alcohol or nicotine addiction by an act of will (though all of these are possible).

Forgiveness is terribly hard, but when you have done so, you have the same relief as when you have tidied a cluttered room.

You sleep so soundly. You sleep so deeply. You sleep so well.

This is the best way I know of cutting the chains which bind you to those who have injured you. You say,

“Yes, you have hurt me; you have deceived me; you have lied about me… But I will not hold it against you. I will even pray that God blesses all the goodness in you and brings that to the forefront of your lifestyle. My raw emotions sometimes feel that you deserve to be cursed not blessed, but I do not want the toxins of such sentiments in my mouth or heart. So I bless you in the name of Jesus.”

Phew. And in those simple words, the act of blessing, you start the journey of freedom.

It is so important that we know that we are forgiven and we are blessed too.

The Bible states: 'Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.' (Colossians 3:13 NIV)

So in the words of Elsa from the epic Disney movie 'Frozen’, just - 'Let it Go!'

Why?

Simply because God has 'wiped the slate clean' for all of us. He has chosen to forgive us and He will give us the grace to do this if we ask Him for help.