What is forgiveness? Forgiveness is a full pardon from the pain and penalty of sin. Forgiveness is a fresh start. Forgiveness is a new beginning; it’s another chance. Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. Forgiveness is the supernatural power that breaks the chains of bitterness and brings joy unspeakable and full of glory. Forgiveness is what opens our life so Jesus can heal our broken heart!
But without forgiveness, our life is an emotional prison, controlled by what happened it locks us behind bars. Dr. McMillen said in his book, None of These Diseases, “The verbal expression of animosity towards others calls forth certain hormones from the pituitary, adrenal, thyroid and other glands, which can disease the body! The moment I start hating a person, I become his slave. I can’t enjoy my work because they control my thoughts, my resentment produces too many stress hormones in my body, and I become fatigued only after a few hours of work”. If unforgiveness is deadly and forgiveness so good, the question is how can I forgive?
Matthew 5:44 Jesus gave us the solution. He said, “Love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for those who use you and persecute you.”
Notice the words love, bless, do good, and pray. These are all action words. Our will has little effect on our emotions; however our will has control over our actions, and our actions will change our emotions. The front side of the brain is where worry, fear, and anger reside. The backside is where activity and action live. They both can’t work together; one will free the other! When we start the act of prayer, love, and blessing, it will free us from the emotion of hate and unforgiveness.
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