How Can We Not?

One way to describe forgiveness is ceasing to feel resentment against someone.   

Resentment is feeling persistent ill will for someone because they did something unjust, unworthy, or mean.

Persistence means something exists for a longer than usual time.

Persistent resentment.  

Oh yeah, I've had that. I'm sure you have, too. 

We've held on to that persistent resentment for far too long.

And, if we're being honest with ourselves, holding on to this ongoing ill will is making us sick. 

And what on earth is the point of that?  

We know all too well what the sepsis felt like as we struggled to forgive ourselves. That ill will we held for ourselves festered for years. 

Why would we choose to hold others captive in this way?

We know the liberation and joy that comes when we receive forgiveness from God, others, and ourselves, especially when it isn't warranted. 

How can we not release them in the same way?

Remember the moment on the bench when Jesus forgave us and the painful splinter of unforgiveness we held inside for so long dissolved?

What relief we felt. Forgiveness provided a renewed sense of well-being. 

Can we offer that same relief to them, regardless of their wrongs, and release that persistent resentment?

Jesus is willing to set them free as He did you. 

With God's help, we can offer healing as merciful, loving kindness removes the persistent bitterness.

No more harboring that resentment and unforgiveness. It's time to release. How can we not?

I am so proud of you, my merciful friend, 

Colossians 3:13 

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive

Isaiah 52:2 

Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive.

Isaiah 42:7

To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

Matthew 6:14 

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.