"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." - Christian author and theologian Lewis B Smedes
What Brother Smedes is saying here is that we become the prisoners of our own disposition when we decide NOT to forgive someone. Forgiveness is something Almighty God gives out freely when asked. We, on the other hand, use it as a power ‘thing’ ... a weapon of sorts, to hold others at bay. That type of attitude has more of a negative effect on you than the one the angst is aimed at. The other person may not even know you have an issue with them. In that case that individual just may be living rent free in your head. They aren’t fazed, but you end up thinking about it a lot. Like most negative events, thoughts, and/or words, it doesn’t have to end up that way. It was YOUR decision to withhold forgiveness. Granted, it can be difficult to broach the subject with the one you have the issue with, but in that case, let it go. It’s not worth chew it on it over and over and over again. That can effect an untold amount of time that ends up being wasted. Don’t be a time waster.
Think about how Christ willingly and without hesitation went to a criminals cross for all of mankind to pay our sin debt. His actions initiated the period of grace where, by virtue of that death, forgiveness became readily available to whom so ever will seek it out. So if God’s Son can freely forgive those who ravaged and tortured Him because of trumped up charges that weren’t even close to being true, then who are we not to forgive someone who has wronged us. Think long and hard about that. Set yourself free from the self-inflicted chains you’ve allowed to bind you. Do it today. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
RL Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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