Forgive and be free

It's amazing what we find comforting: a cup of tea, a bar of chocolate, an old sweatshirt. The things we hold on to when we need soothing are, most often, things we know well that make us feel better. It can work the same when we're wronged: we may comfort ourselves by not forgiving. It's easy to nestle down into being sure that we're in the right and develop a victim mentality. The problem is that unforgiveness can eat away at us, and lead to us become bitter and judgemental.

Jesus modelled true forgiveness. He didn't even hold a grudge against those who nailed him to the cross or tormented him while he died. But we know we're not Jesus. And forgiving others is hard, painful and humbling.

Sometimes, the really big issues can take years to reach the point of forgiveness. In those situations, it's vital that we take the first step to begin the forgiveness process, for our wellbeing and health. In these cases, it's recommended to engage the help of a counsellor or someone we trust to help us work through the process. And what about our day-to-day irritations? We should let go of them quickly. Let's remember: God has forgiven us, so we must do the same.



So what now? Write down unforgiven things you've held onto. Rip them up and go for a walk. Put them in a bin somewhere and leave them behind. Ask God to help you forgive and be free.





— SCRIPTURE —

'If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them.' Mark 11:25 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Gal 5:22-23, Ps 37:7, Pro 16:32, Eph 4:2