Forgiveness...

"The prisoner is us when we choose not to forgive."

Have you ever considered why we don't forgive those who have wronged us easily?  Why do we continue to harbor hatred and unfriendly thoughts because we can not bring ourselves to forgive?  Why do we allow our own lives to be placed on hold because we can't forgive?

How often have you found yourself mad, upset, pissed off with someone? How often are you able to forgive the person who has upset you?  What does it take to actually give forgiveness?  What happens to your own psyche when  you choose not to?

The greatest example of forgiveness ever presented to us, is that of Jesus on the cross.  He forgave each of us for our sins, took them upon himself, and died to give us life.  Would you be willing to lay your life down for someone who has wronged you?  Would you be willing to lay your life down from someone who you no longer trust and are unwilling to forgive?

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written; "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.  On the contrary: 

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. 

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)

By reading this passage and understanding it, you will see that it is not our job to repay those who have hurt us, but hurting them.  We are too forgive and allow Jesus to exact whatever wrath He will when it is time.  We are to help our enemies, love our enemies, forgive our enemies.

This does not mean we forget what our enemies have done, it simply means we are to forgive for on our good.  Living with constant anger and evil feelings towards others brings us down.  It causes us to be unhappy and only focus on the bad in life.  We are controlled by our anger and unable to find good in the incidents. 

We should focus on the good in life, focus on the positive.  While negative will happen, people will let you down, you will be hurt, you must learn to walk away and not allow it to overwhelm you.  Forgiveness is the one act that we are truly capable of controlling!

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)