Why Forgive

Forgiveness is not an act of acceptance, but an act of freedom. When we forgive, it releases the toxin’s the offense caused.  In the bible, there was a woman with a chronic health issue.  This blood condition plagued her for twelve years.   Twelve years is prime opportunity to grow bitter.  Most people would have grown frustrated after twelve days.  What is unique about this piece of history is that while she could have become bitter because there was no relief; she instead chose to keep her focus on Jesus and not allow the pain to blur her vision of being made whole.  The bible goes on to say when she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment she was indeed made whole.

It’s God’s desire that we are whole. Whole simply means without lack. When we hold onto unforgiveness, it opens up doors to anger, resentment, hatred, and we become frustrated, disillusioned, and hard to get along with. In fact it will harbor us to the shores of doubt, unbelief, and distrust. But when we forgive, we release ourselves from the shore to sail out to the waters of more than enough. You might say, but you don’t know the agony and pain I went through. I might not know, but I know Jesus was touched by the feelings of our infirmities. This means, He knows what it means to be sold out, beaten, abused, and ridiculed; and he knows how to forgive.

The first step to forgiveness, is knowing that forgiving is not accepting or approving what happened.  It is not making excuses thinking you should not have been there, or any other intrusive thought that comes to mind.  No, it’s releasing the pain and the person for what they did. It’s not a get out of jail card for them, but a get out of jail card for you. You were born for greatness and the only way to move on is to forgive.

Forgive today and release yourself from the harbor of would have, should have, and could have to the ocean of living life victorious. Your best is yet to come.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

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