Fighting Unforgiveness

Many have and are still walking around bearing the cross of unforgiveness, some not even aware of it. Bearing burdens/memories of hurts experienced in the past, and burdens of wrongs still being perpetuated in the present. 

An unforgiving heart might seem subtle but its subsequent effects on the individual /individuals involved are disastrous.
Here is a simple test to detect if you still harbor any trace of unforgiveness towards any person or persons.

• Do you cringe or get upset at the mention of a particular name or names.

• Are you happy or elated at the misfortune of any person or persons.

• Are you unusually hesitant or unwillingly to undertake or participate in any activity beneficial to or spearheaded by any person or persons.

If your answer to any of these questions is "Yes", then you are unfortunately still under the captivity of unforgiveness.

"To err is human and to forgive divine", so we must come to the realization that family, friends and acquaintances might indeed hurt us knowingly or unknowingly through spoken words or actions.

As individuals we must also take into consideration the fact that we all have varying personalities, with varying endurance/tolerance limits. Consequently a comment that would tip one person over the edge might just slightly irritate the other person.

Taking all of this into consideration, we must at all times be willingly to forgive all wrongs from friends and foes alike. Forgiveness is a culture, an attitude, a way of life that we must imbibe as human beings and a commandment that we must obey as children of the most high God.

Letting go of anger, resentment, bitterness and revenge when hurt by a loved one "yes",  might seem difficult at first but remember that you have Jesus Christ to assist you along the way.

Over the years, i have come to realize that forgiveness is the ticket to complete joy and liberation and we must always take positive steps towards true forgiveness. 

Note also that many times just saying to yourself "i forgive so so person for wronging me" or praying about it does not really kick start the healing process. At times like this one must actually take a positive step towards physically expressing true forgiveness towards that person. Such physical expressions might be expressed through a sincere discussion (face to face or through any of the available social tools), calmly and patiently letting the person know how he or she has wronged you and expressing your desire to forgive and move beyond the situation. Remember "patience" is the key word here because the person might at first try to resist your hand of reconciliation however do not  be deterred, bearing in mind that the command to forgive must be obeyed. 

The Lord will strengthen you today as you make a commitment to obey him in Jesus Mighty name, Amen.

JCGold