Forgiveness does not make the other person right, but it does set YOU both free!

Ephesians 4:32 (AMP) Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Forgiveness is Powerful

Do you know the greatest power that you have over anyone who hurts you? It’s the power to forgive.

Martin Luther King made this statement:

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.
There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.

Offense Free

When you can say to them, “I forgive you, and no longer hold it against you,” both of you are set free from the negative chains, bond, and void that has been created. But guess what? There’s more: You can also free yourself from the burden of being offended.

Do You Like That Millstone As A Medal?

As long as you don’t forgive those who’ve wounded you, you then carry the offense like a millstone around your neck. Although it is a great temptations to cling to the anger generated by the conflict, as long as you carry it, it then has the right to define you.

Freedom & Liberty

Forgiveness, on the other hand, not only liberates the other party, but it also liberates you! It’s probably one of the only means to true freedom. Let me describe it like this: Freedom without liberty just frees you from a situation, whereas liberty frees you and keeps you free!

Transformation Of Our Thoughts Sometimes Takes Time

Now, forgiving sometimes doesn’t always allow us to forget the cause of the offense right away. Though we forgive somebody, the memory of what they did might stay with us for quite some time. Unfortunately, we can still carry it as an emotional wound or scar. Sometimes an offense can even show up in our bodies as a physical issue. But forgiveness will start to change how we remember them and begin to transform that curse into a blessing.

When we can forgive our family, friends, work colleagues, or others, we no longer have to perceive ourselves as the victim of events over which we have no control. Having a victim mentality is definitely not good, and we need to renew our minds to who we truly are in Christ. Forgiveness will allow us to take back our power and not let a person, circumstance, or event embitter, limit, or control us.

Consider These Reasons For Releasing Those Hurts And Grudges:

• Relinquishing past hurts frees you to embrace the present and future
• Refusing to spend time and energy on emotional wounds allows you to establish new, healthy ideas
• Rebounding from the hurt enables you to shake off the shackles—now happily move on!
• Holding onto a grudge is a form of control that actually controls you—spiritually, emotionally, mentally and even physically
• Lowering your defensives allows you to start to heal, love, and be loved for who you are
• Feeling angry and resentful makes you feel good temporarily, but blocks healing

Let the Word Cleanse You With These Truths:

God’s mandate for us is to love the ones who hate, hurt and persecute us, Because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Also Proverbs 10:12 (NIRV) says, Hate stirs up fights. But love erases all sins by forgiving them.

Forgive them as Christ has forgiven us. Mediate on Paul says in Ephesians 4:31-32:

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.

So, today’s encouraging word is this: It’s time to forgive and let it go to enjoy the freedom that comes from forgiveness! Answer honestly—Is there someone you need to forgive?