TO FORGIVE WHILE STRUGGLING WITH UNFORGIVENESS

         Most likely we have all had someone we loved and trusted beyond measure do something to us that was unthinkable.  Something that changes our entire perspective of that person.  If that's the case we have several options.  Either wallow in self-pity, pain, and anger; or we can forgive.

          Forgiveness is simply the act of giving up the resentment we may have toward someone.  We must give up the general feeling of resentment. We must surrender specific feelings of resentment toward a particular individual.  We must give up our anger at being hurt and seek to restore the broken relationship.

           You cannot forgive someone with your words while secretly wishing him or her harm.  True forgiveness seeks the other person's good, not punishment.  Forgiving another person carries a price, but without a doubt, the rewards are greater.

            Looking at the opposite is unforgiveness.  Unforgiveness is the deliberate decision not to let go of resentment toward someone else.  This unforgiveness is referred to as "a root of bitterness" (Hebrews 12:14-15).  Bitterness acts just like a seed that springs up and causes problems.  Once planted, if not taken care of immediately, it will continue to grow.  What happens at the root impacts everything else.  What is harvested is a whole crop of anger, malice, hostility, and pure bitterness that completely dominates you.

            How can we expect to grow in Christ when we have an unforgiving spirit?  (Galatians 5:22-23) tells us to uproot the spirit of bitterness and replace it with God's love and grace.  Today is the best day to do this and offer the Lord your finest crop of spiritual fruit.  Unleash the power of God's grace and watch the good fruit grow.  You can forgive while struggling with unforgiveness.

Mike Williams