“Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.” -Corrie ten Boom
As if being forgiven of so much wasn’t incentive enough to forgive, there’s also the fact that NOT forgiving enslaves us, spiritually and emotionally. The Bible says to forgive others, as God in Christ has forgiven us (Eph 4:32). That’s not just for the good of the one
“Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.” -Corrie ten Boom
As if being forgiven of so much wasn’t incentive enough to forgive, there’s also the fact that NOT forgiving enslaves us, spiritually and emotionally. The Bible says to forgive others, as God in Christ has forgiven us (Eph 4:32). That’s not just for the good of the one who needs forgiving, but for our own good as well.
If you’re reading this and you have someone in your life who needs forgiveness, I hope you’ll consider the FREEDOM that comes from forgiving. Or maybe like a lot of us, you need to forgive yourself. Sometimes that’s the hardest forgiveness to grant. But if God says we are forgiven through what he did for us on the Cross, who are we to argue with him? There’s great freedom in forgiving ourselves too.
Forgiving is not easy. It takes time and patience and seeking the Lord. But those things are much better than being enslaved to bitterness that comes through holding a grudge.
Pastor Roy Layman 