Forgiveness: A Healing ForcePrøve

## The Destructive Nature of Unforgiveness The weight of unforgiveness is simply too heavy to carry on your own. We were never designed to thrive with the anguish of the past residing on our shoulders. We were meant to forgive and move on. As human beings, we do not have the ability to forget a wrong…only God can do that. But we can make the choice to forgive and move on to a healthy and happy future. Another good reason to forgive... because we cannot be set free to move on to a bright and healthy tomorrow until we let the pain of yesterday go. God has great things in store for us (Jeremiah 29:11), but if we are busy clinging to the pain of the past, we will miss out on the joy of tomorrow. If you do not forgive those who have hurt you, they own you. Did you hear that? Picture yourself in a jail cell and throw away the key. This is where you have voluntarily placed yourself if you allow your enemy to control you through your own lack of forgiveness. But the moment you make the conscious decision to forgive, the doors of your self-imposed prison will swing open wide and you will be set free. For “… whom the Son sets free, is free indeed (John 8:36).” We are most like God when we forgive. Forgiveness is a full pardon. It's a fresh start. It's another chance. It's a new beginning. It's the canceling of a debt. It's not burying the hatchet with the handle up so you can grab it, just in case. Forgiveness is also essential for your emotional healing! It's not optional! Forgiveness is, first, an act of your will. In an act of courageous faith, forgive those who have offended you…then watch God go to work in your defense. Watch how everything they put their hands to crumbles, and everything you put your hand to is blessed. May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, giving you His peace. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. Forgive, so that Christ can forgive you. Forgive, so that you can be completely set free. In Jesus’ name, amen.