A Quick Lesson in Forgiveness

Forgiveness is so important but not only for the other person but you as well. I know you think I am about to go into how forgiveness releases you because it stops bitterness from seeping in, it alleviates hate, stress, anxiety, and it just makes you feel better (Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬-‭32‬). Although all those things are true, I want to help you understand how forgiveness releases you on a deeper level. Forgiveness helps you unlock your heart and the chains that you have even bound yourself with. Forgiveness of self is one of the most gratifying acts. Like what has probably just popped up in your mind, when this wisdom was given to me, I questioned, “Why do I need to forgive me, I didn’t do anything wrong?” Yet, like may of us, I continued to let the pain grow inside of me.

I learned there is plenty to forgive or release ourselves from, especially when reconciliation isn’t possible:

1. Letting the offender back in.

2. Feeling like it was our fault.

3. Feeling like we could have prevented the offense or did something different.

4. Thinking that we could have fought harder or never went back.

5. Believing we deserved it.

6. Beating ourselves up instead of loving on ourselves and giving ourselves a break.

When we learn to forgive ourselves, we recognize that we are not perfect and we give ourselves a break. This releases us to protect ourselves and defend ourselves better understanding that we don’t have to take ourselves through anymore pain and suffering at the hands of something else whether it’s a past memory or a person in our lives. We do not have to stand for it! We can recognize it and release it. It is so exhilarating!

If the Bible says to forgive our offender 70x70, how many more times should we forgive ourselves? (Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬-‭22‬). The Lord said to a group of Accusers, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.” Notice how everyone put their rocks down and walked away? Who was left? Jesus and the “Offender”. He looked at her, she, herself, was the only one left and He said, “Now, go away and sin no more” (John‬ ‭8‬:‭7‬-‭11‬). She was then released of her sins.

Stop holding yourself in unforgiveness, it destroys your mind, body, and spirit. Get up and do better. You deserve a full life not one bogged down with the offenses you carry of others and of yourself. We don’t live in past tense like could’ve, would’ve, and should’ve. We live in the present and now. We live in the I am! Remember, it’s not what the world thinks, it’s what you know. Let your accusers carry that burden but you must walk in freedom and forgiving yourself, as well as others, helps you do just that!

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” ----------”

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬