Forgiveness

Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Luke 6:37 esv

One of the main topics of the Bible is forgiveness. The same God who forgives our sins wants us to forgive others and surrender our hurts to him. By doing so, we will begin to heal not only our hearts but also our bodies. Whether it is a small disagreement, an argument that comes from betrayal, or the harm someone inflicted upon us, unresolved hurt can affect us physically. Forgiving someone who harmed us is as much for our benefit as for the person who wronged us.

For believers, forgiveness is more than just saying the words. It is the conscious decision to no longer hold on to the harm the other person inflicted on you. It is not denying pain or the wrongdoing. It is the deliberate act of turning the situation over to God.

According to Dr. Karen Swartz of Johns Hopkins Medicine, longstanding anger and unresolved conflict affects our bodies by constantly changing our heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels. Constant changes in these two areas can lead to an increase in depression and heart disease.11 However, the regular practice of forgiveness and turning hurts over to God can lower our stress levels and improve our health.

The journey to forgiveness is not an easy one. Though we believe we have forgiven, at times the pain might resurface. Forgive again. God would not command us to forgive if it were not possible, and he will provide the strength when we don’t think we can do it.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.

Lewis B. Smedes

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.

Mark Twain

Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.

Desmond Tutu

For Further Reflection

Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 3:13

Today’s Prayer

Lord, please search me and reveal any areas of unforgiveness in my life. Help me to always lead with forgiveness and love, the same way you have forgiven and loved me. Amen.