Will this New Year be a great adventure full of opportunities and possibilities?
OR
Will this New Year be the same old year full of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness?
Too many people will begin the New Year trying to carry past years’ hurts, betrayals, and disappointments.
This is like running a Marathon in your winter clothing and boots. It can be done, but you will work so much harder and look foolish doing it!
This New Year will NOT change until you understand that…Freedom Begins With Forgiveness!
Forgiveness is releasing the other person from the penalty of the wrong so the relationship can be restored.
It means letting go of your right to get revenge and choosing to Forgive and hold onto the other person rather than their offense.
We MUST decide what is more important: our Ego or the other person?
Forgiveness has nothing to do with who was right or wrong. It is about Freedom and Restoration.
Walking in Forgiveness is a Choice, NOT a Feeling. You will rarely FEEL like Forgiving someone who has hurt you, but you must make the Choice to do so.
God makes a choice and a Sacrifice to Forgive us of ALL of our sins. We did not deserve this!
When we Forgive someone, it will require that we make the Choice, AND make a sacrifice.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
We have to trust God when we choose to Forgive.
Trust that God will heal our hurts and use your sacrifice to restore your relationship.
Your forgiveness doesn’t guarantee a change in the other person, but it does guarantee that you’ll grow and that you’ll be protected from bitterness and anger.
Studies have found that Forgiveness will reap huge rewards for your health.
It lowers the risk of heart attack, improves cholesterol levels, and sleep, reduces pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression, and stress!
Whether you are giving or receiving forgiveness, it’s a very powerful thing that can release both parties from their self-made prisons.
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9
You can choose to change the course of your life by releasing the unforgiveness you are holding in your heart.
Take time this week to write down anyone in your life that you are angry, bitter, or upset with.
Then contact each one in person, if possible, and choose to Forgive.
Freedom Begins with Forgiveness!
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’ “Matthew 18:21-22
Find Your Passion…Find Your Life!