FORGIVENESS- A GIFT TO YOURSELF

I went to visit some family last week and had a recurring discussion. For some reason the people I love seem to think that UNFORGIVENESS is a personal right that should be exercised regularly. They proudly announce as we watch some tragedy on the news, “Could you imagine? I could never forgive them if that happened to me!

There is the real tragedy- not forgiving. It seems to be so clear to me that when you forgive- or not- it does not truly affect the wrongdoer in any way. Being forgiven can even be had without the forgiven one even being aware of it.

The act of forgiveness is, in most cases, for the forgiver NOT the forgiven. So in effect, when you forgive someone, whether they deserve it or not, you are actually lifting the weight off of yourself. You are essentially removing the burden of the crime effect from yourself and allowing yourself the chance to move out from under the power that the wrongdoing has taken over you.

Christians observe the crucifixion of Christ to be the ultimate act of forgiveness for sin. All that one must to do to be forgiven is to accept the gift of forgiveness from God. In this case the act of forgiveness is for the wrongdoer. Also, in the case of legal or official acts of forgiveness, It releases someone from the punishment that they have coming.

Before his death, however, Jesus said that if you cannot forgive your fellow man, forgiveness from the Father will not be given to you. You will not be forgiven by GOD if you cannot find forgiveness in your heart for others.

My thought has always been, “If God can forgive me of MY sins, who am I to take the throne and withhold forgiveness from another person. I am not God, and my understanding of anything falls way short of his. But at times I have become so proud to think that I had some right to withhold what was so generously given to me. NO!!

I am sure we have all felt at some time the gnawing feeling of sickness during a time of unforgiveness. And in turn the relief and elation at having that burden lifted. But I tell you most of us have harbored some hidden unforgiveness in our heart and you will only do yourself the favor if you find that thing that is hidden- or not- and forgive once and for all.