Ephesians 4:32  And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.

Forgiveness, not always our favorite word but I think it is an area that we need focus on more.  Do you ever hold a grudge or maybe you just don’t like that lady over there because she did something that hurt your feelings or made you feel small or embarrassed?  Have you ever punished your husband for weeks because of something he said or did?  I know a woman that keeps track of every offense someone does and she doesn’t get over it, if she has the opportunity to “punish” someone years down the road she will and she doesn’t hesitate to let them know why!  Unforgiveness will just tear you apart from the inside out – you have nothing to gain by holding a grudge!

What a crazy way to spend your life!  There is so much to enjoy about life and so much good that could be done if the focus wasn’t on how someone did you wrong.  In Philippians 4:8 it says, “finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on those things.”.

Do you see anywhere in there where it says “if anyone has looked at you wrong or embarrassed you etc.” think on those things?  No, it does you no good to allow unforgiveness especially over little every day things consume your thoughts, it will only serve to turn you into a bitter woman!  It’s like I have mentioned before; hanging onto unforgiveness and bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die.  It’s not worth it!

Start today if you struggle with “little areas” of unforgiveness and ask God to show you areas that you are holding your forgiveness hostage and ask him to help you choose to forgive on a daily basis.  I believe we will all be surprised at the level of freedom we will notice in our ability to feel in more positive ways as well as our effectiveness in our walk with God.

Quote:   “It’s in the struggle itself that you define yourself.”. Pat Buchanan