Forgive and Forget

Since I always offer publishing and promoting information, thought I’d share something motivational with you today.

Forgiveness is a topic close to my heart. The fourth book in my series was all about forgiveness.

Most of the hate and anger in the world is a result of an unforgiving heart. Think of the wars, the divorces, the reality shows where people scream… All because someone felt jilted, slighted, neglected, or threatened - and chose to harbor those feelings rather than let them go.

Recently I had someone take advantage of my knowledge as a speaker. In a big way. By nature, I’m naïve and trusting - and someone took advantage of that. I was crushed. (My husband said I probably needed a really good cry anyway.)

Afterwards, I just wanted to let it go. I wanted to forgive, forget, and move on with my life. Letting go of that last bit of anger was tough, though. But I did it. And now, not only do I feel lighter, but something really amazing happened this week, something I’d wanted for so long. And I know it’s only because I forgave this person.

When we refuse to forgive someone, who does it hurt? That’s right - US! The other person doesn’t know we are harboring thoughts of their demise. No matter how much resentment we send in their direction, they don’t feel it. Instead this bitterness turns on us. What was once a small issue grows to epic proportions and we are caught up in the negative wave of emotions.

We also forget that we make mistakes, too.

John 8:7 "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

And I used to tell our one foster daughter - “Life is not fair - get over it!”

Is there someone you have not forgiven? Maybe they meant to cause pain. But, maybe they didn’t. Maybe they didn’t know any better. Maybe they have apologized but it fell on deaf ears.

Forgive them. You are the one it is hurting. And by releasing that bitterness, you will gain far more than that anger and indignation ever brought to your life.