Forgiveness

We all know that forgiveness is a core Christian principle. But do we truly grasp what it means?

Sure, we say we forgive because we know we should. But deep down, the

anger is still there when those old hurts surface. Forgiveness is more profound than just saying the words. It's about forgiving from the depths of our emotions.

Carrying around pain and anger weighs us down, leading to bitterness and, in the worst cases, even hatred. We're afraid to face these emotions head-on because they might consume or drive us to act out. Anger is a shame-based emotion we'd rather bury than confront.

Think about Jesus for a moment. He is the ultimate example of forgiveness. What were His words on the cross, even after facing humiliation, betrayal, beatings, and ridicule?

"Father, forgive them because they know not what they do."

(Luke 23:34)

Jesus wasn't just showing us forgiveness; He was living it! He understood our anguish because, despite His divinity, He was also fully human.

Only God truly understands the depth of our pain and the injustices we suffered. He alone can enable us to forgive those who have deeply wounded us. Without His divine intervention, true forgiveness seems almost impossible.

The Impact of Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness can lead to various physical and emotional health issues. Holding onto grudges and bitterness can result in increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

It can also contribute to physical health problems such as high blood pressure, weakened immune response, heart disease, and diabetes​ (Home)​​ (Mayo Clinic)​.

Chronic anger and resentment keep the body in a state of fight-or-flight, leading to these adverse health effects. Without forgiveness, we drag old grudges into new relationships, making it hard to live fully in the present and move forward. Holding on to resentment opens the door to depression and anxiety.

Forgiveness is tough, especially when you're deeply hurt. It doesn't mean saying what the other person did was okay. It means releasing Satan's

grip on us through that injury. It's about kicking the devil out of our lives and slamming the door in his face.

Remember, Satan thought he'd won when he caused Jesus to be crucified. He made the biggest mistake of his diabolical existence. Jesus displayed forgiveness towards those who crucified Him. Jesus' resurrection brought about the destruction of sin's power in our lives and death's dominion.

When He rose, He conquered death for all of us who believed and took back the keys of authority lost in Eden. And He gave them back to us!

Forgiving those who've wronged us allows us to display God's power, strengthen our faith, and overcome the evil that has been done to us. We don't have to live as victims of injustice or abuse. By harnessing the power of heaven, we can free ourselves from the clutches of the tormentors in our lives. (Matthew 18).

We break the victim mentality by seeking Jesus for healing, divine intervention, and help with forgiveness. Forgiveness is God's way of
unleashing His healing power and redeeming what the enemy meant for evil.

I want to continue examining the meaning of true forgiveness in the future and how to recognize where unforgiveness may hide in our hearts.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts burdened with life's hurts and disappointments. Jesus, You forgave those who inflicted unimaginable pain upon You, even as You hung on the cross. You ask us to forgive others even as You forgave us. We recognize we have much to learn about the mysteries of your kingdom, like the depth of true forgiveness.

We know forgiveness is a divine act of God, and we ask for Your strength to learn to forgive those who have wronged us. Teach us, Lord, the wisdom of your ways.

In the precious name of your dear son, Jesus,

Amen.