WHY FORGIVE?
forgiveness |fəˈgɪvnɪs| noun [ mass noun ]the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven: She is quick to ask forgiveness.
Forgiveness is such a powerful thing when it comes to our relationship with God, other people, and even ourselves. Forgiveness is not only an action but a way of life. When you truly understand what forgiveness is, you begin to see it as an act of love–and a way of choosing to live in complete freedom and wholeness.
"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
Forgiving someone for an offense that intentionally (or unintentionally) hurt you or someone you love can be really, really hard. But the benefits of forgiveness truly outweigh the consequences that result from hanging on to our offenses!
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15
The act of forgiveness is a biblical concept and the Bible is full of verses urging us to live in this way. But have you ever wondered why forgiveness is so important to God?
Holding offense and unforgiveness toward another person is actually scientifically proven to cause physical health issues. Whether it is a tiny argument you had in the morning with your spouse or an unresolved conflict with a former friend or family member, unforgiveness is affecting you in ways you might not even realize. Chronic anger and deep-rooted anxiety will keep you on edge and can increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and lower immune responses. Those changes can result in depression, heart disease, and even diabetes! It's no wonder God commands us to forgive because He wants us to live in complete health and freedom!
Forgiveness can have huge benefits on our health including lowering the risk of heart attack, improving cholesterol levels and sleep, reducing pain and blood pressure, and is proven to significantly lower anxiety, depression, and stress! I know this personally because my own mom struggled with unforgiveness for years, and it eventually started affecting her overall health. Her heart transformation and life are a perfect example of what God can do with someone who is willing to obey, even when it’s hard and seems unfair!
Forgiveness is not just about saying the words. It is an active process in which you make a conscious decision to let go of negative feelings (whether a person deserves it or not). As you release anger, resentment, and hostility, you will begin to feel empathy and compassion for the person who wronged you. You'll begin to see them the way God sees them–resulting in major growth and maturity in your own life!
Forgiveness isn’t something you will do one time, but something you will have to continually walk in (most likely, every day of your life!). When hurt or pain has gone deep enough into our hearts, it can take a long time to let go and give the pain fully over to God. But the Bible tells us that revenge and justice are not our responsibility. It is God's job to right the wrongs and deal with the unjust motives of others. It is only our job to forgive!
"Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, 'I will take revenge; I will pay them back,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19
Before we learn to forgive, we have to learn to trust that God is in control. When someone has done something wrong to you, you are called to pray BLESSING over them. Praying a blessing over someone who hurt you is hard, but this is what God tells us to do!
We all need forgiveness. We are all imperfect. We have all made mistakes and will continue to for the rest of our lives. Let's strive to be gracious with one another, forgiving as quickly as God forgives us, and make allowance for others' imperfection (and our own).
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32
True forgiveness brings joy. It results in a life of peace. I pray God will help you to LET GO of all offenses today, so you can live in complete freedom!
My prayer for you today:
Dear Lord, I pray that you would help us to LET GO of any and all offenses that we might be holding onto so tightly. Father, if we truly trust in you, then your Word says that revenge is yours and that you will work ALL things for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose for them (Romans 8:28). We trust in you and lay all offense and unforgiveness at your feet, for you to deal with. Help us to forgive as quickly as you do so that we can live in complete freedom. Amen!
XO-
Sabrina