Forgiveness Brings Freedom
The Act of Forgiveness can Release People from Emotional Prisons
An explanation of what forgiveness is and the high cost of witholding it.
The world is an imperfect place and everyone experiences the need for forgiveness. It is often easier to accept forgiveness than it is to give it. A person who holds unforgiveness in their hearts may become bitter and depressed and lose their joy in life.
What is Forgiveness?
Forgiveness is the act of pardoning a fault and in so doing, giving up resentment, hatred, wrath and all rights to restitution.
When is Forgiveness Necessary?
When a person has caused hurt, often without apology, forgiveness is necessary to bring freedom to the one wronged. If the hurt is held onto, it will cause feeling of resentment and anger which in time can mushroom into deep bitterness.
What if the Wrong is too big to Forgive?
In the Bible, Jesus instructed His disciples to forgive 70X70. This was a picture to show that forgiveness should be without measure. Resentment and bitterness may have a slight effect on the person who inflicted the harm, but often, they are not even aware of it. The only one suffering is the holder of the unforgiveness. They have effectively locked themselves into a cage of negative emotions.
What about Forgive and Forget?
Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting. If the hurt was financial – the theft of life savings or stealing of property, it is wise not to forget. Forgiveness can be extended but trust can take years to rebuild.
How is Forgiveness Given?
When the hurt is deep and painful, forgiveness may be a choice rather than an emotion. It may even be a process where the hurt has to be laid aside each time it comes to mind. The important thing is to make the decision and then work at it even though relapses may occur. The result will be an immense sense of freedom.
Must Forgiveness be verbalized?
If the person is still alive and can be located, it can be a freeing act to offer forgiveness. Be cautious in circumstances where the person has offended or hurt without knowledge that they have done so. It may cause more harm than good in these situations. If the person has passed on, writing a letter can be a helpful release. Burn it or bury it as a symbol of freedom and progress.
How can Forgiveness be a Benefit?
Forgiveness allows a letting go and acceptance of life in all its imperfection. People who can forgive are generally more sweet-natured and pleasant to be around than those wallowing in resentment. It also has health benefits and great relational value.
It may seem unfair to offer forgiveness, especially to cases involving hardened criminals and even murderers, but it is the best way. No one wants to be near to a person who is consumed with bitterness. Try offering forgiveness for small offences and build up to bigger ones...and don’t forget that no one is perfect.
