The Choice of Forgiveness

From The Voices and The Choices by Roxanne Parks on YouVersion

Are you struggling to forgive someone who hurt you? Or are you struggling to forgive yourself?

1 Peter 5:7 – cast all your cares on Him, because he cares about you. 

Maybe you are curious about God’s forgiveness and even wondering if He could forgive you for something you regret. If you struggle with forgiving others or yourself, then you are not alone.

1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We are not in charge of the behavior of others, but we are in charge of how we respond. It is only the through receiving the grace and forgiveness of God that we can extend the same to others.

Psalms 103:10-14 – He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities.   For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love toward those who fear him.   As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.   As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.   For he knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust. 

The pain and hurt others cause us is a reality for many. But the pain of living with bitterness and unforgiveness can poison your soul and destroy you. When we forgive others, we are not saying what they did was OK, but we are letting go of their hold on us.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15 –  “For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive others,   your Father will not forgive your offenses.

Forgiving ourselves and others can be one of the hardest things we face in life, but it will lead to the greatest blessings and freedom as a result.

Colossians 3:12-13 – Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved,  put on compassion, kindness,  humility,  gentleness,  and patience,  bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. 

Despite the prevalence of unforgiveness in our lives, it seems that many of us have a mistaken understanding of forgiveness and its impact, not only spiritually and emotionally, but also physically. In fact, according to John Hopkins Medicine, forgiveness has a huge impact on your health:

“Whether it’s a simple spat with your spouse or long-held resentment toward a family member or friend, unresolved conflict can go deeper than you may realize—it may be affecting your physical health. The good news: Studies have found that the act of forgiveness can reap huge rewards for your health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels and sleep; and reducing pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression and stress. And research points to an increase in the forgiveness-health connection as you age.”

Do not live with the burden of unforgiveness any longer. Find freedom through God’s word. Choose to let go and let God and walk in freedom.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”  (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).

Ponder:

What keeps you from choosing freedom through forgiveness?

Prayer:

Thank You for my complete forgiveness Lord. Give me Your power to release forgiveness to myself and others.