The Freedom to Let Go
Forgiveness is a powerful force that has the ability to set us free from the chains of anger, resentment, and bitterness. It is a gift we give ourselves, allowing us to release the burdens that weigh us down and hinder our personal growth.
When we hold onto grudges and refuse to forgive, we are essentially locking ourselves in a prison of negativity. It consumes our thoughts, drains our energy, and prevents us from moving forward in life. But when we make the conscious choice to forgive, we break free from these self-imposed shackles and open ourselves up to a world of possibilities.
Healing Emotional Wounds
Forgiveness is not only about releasing others from their wrongdoings; it is also about healing our own emotional wounds. When someone hurts us, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it leaves a mark on our hearts. It can cause deep pain, distrust, and a range of negative emotions.
By choosing to forgive, we allow ourselves to heal. We acknowledge our pain and the impact it has had on us, but we also refuse to let it define us. Forgiveness is a declaration of our strength and resilience. It is a commitment to our own well-being and happiness.
The Journey Towards Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not always easy. It requires vulnerability, humility, and a willingness to let go of our desire for revenge or justice. It is a journey that takes time, patience, and self-reflection.
One of the keys to forgiveness is empathy. By putting ourselves in the shoes of the person who has wronged us, we can begin to understand their perspective and the factors that may have influenced their actions. This understanding allows us to see them as human beings, capable of making mistakes, just like us.
Another crucial aspect of forgiveness is self-forgiveness. Often, we hold ourselves to impossible standards and beat ourselves up for past mistakes. But just as we are willing to forgive others, we must also extend that same compassion and understanding to ourselves. We are all imperfect, and it is through our mistakes that we learn and grow.
Letting Go, lets God in
Just like the old adage that says, “Let go and let God”, forgiving others is beneficiary to every child of God because it enables us to obtain forgiveness from our heavenly father. In the gospel according Matthew chapter 6, verse 14 and 15, Jesus made it so clear to us that if we refuse to forgive others their trespasses then God will also not forgive us our own trespasses.
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
– Matthew 6: 14-15
Even the later part of the modal of prayer that He taught His disciples and us goes like “And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. (Matthew 6: 12) And that indicates that the only way God will hear us if we ask for forgiveness is when we hold no grudges against anyone. Lastly I would like to encourage you to engage in much prayer and even include fasting if you are finding it hard to forgive a particular person due to the magnitude of the offense. It also helps to speak to a spiritual leader or an elder who is a devoted Christian and I believe he or she will be able to provide a sound counsel on how to handle the process. Thank you for setting some time aside to read this post, may God continue to bless you and guide your steps in His word.
