Written by Shaundrie Jones
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"Release the stronghold grudges have on your mind, spirit and heart. Be free today. Enjoy your life and be free to live a happy life; you deserve it." ~ Shaundrie Jones
Forgiveness Defined
They hurt you; BAD. You must forgive. They made you cry and put you in your darkest hour. You must still forgive. They raped, abused, misused, mislead or cheated you. YOU HAVE TO FORGIVE. What does it mean to forgive? Forgiveness is the ability to cease to feel resentment against a person for actions or words. Sometimes, when we are really hurt or angry, we tend to harbor (hold) grudges or to not forgive. The choice of not forgiving takes up unnecessary space in your spirit, mind and heart. Not forgiving people in your past, allows those people that angered or hurt you to control your life. However, what exactly does that mean? When someone has “control over you” they consume your thoughts, influence your actions and dictate outcomes of situations. They accomplish all of this and are not even in your presence. You NEVER want anyone to have that type of control over you. Jesus said, "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. Nevertheless, if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. - Matthew 6:14-15." So, whoever hurt you, forgive them today.
Forgiving is one of the hardest task to accomplish. There are so many aspects involved in forgiveness which include; pride, revenge and anger. These emotions hinder your ability to forgive. Do not surrender to them and block your progress to a happy life.
Forgiving is one of the hardest task to accomplish. There are so many aspects involved in forgiveness which include; pride, revenge and anger. These emotions hinder your ability to forgive. Do not surrender to them and block your progress to a happy life.
Factors That Hinder Forgiveness
AngerDefined: It's an emotion full of hostility or displeasure. It affects your health and ability to communicate with others. If you are angry all the time, no one will want to be around you.
The effect: When you are angry for a period of time, it starts to affect your health. Being angry can cause heartburn, high blood pressure and headaches. Furthermore, you begin to take the anger out on innocent people around you. That's not fair. Solution: Find a positive way to express your anger. Do things you like that make you happy. If the anger consumes you, talk to someone. You can talk to a friend, parent, teacher or counselor. They may have experienced a similar situation and can assist you. |
RevengeDefined: It's to inflict punishment in return for injury or insult. You hurt me? I will hurt you back! Some resort to violence, blackmail or even murder.
The effect: You cause yourself more heartache than before. After you have sought revenge, the pain is still there. Depending on your actions, you may end up with legal problems and possibly lose your freedom (jail). Solution: Let karma deal with that person. Everything you sow (give or do) you will reap ( get in return). Romans 12:9 is real. The person that hurt you WILL suffer for their actions. If you are lucky, God may just let you watch. |
PrideDefined: It's your dignity or ego. How dare they treat YOU in such a manner? Do they not understand you have feelings too? You refuse to feel as is someone played you!
The effect: It causes you to want revenge by humiliating that person. At the end of the day, you make yourself look foolish. Solution: Acceptance. Everyone plays the fool sometimes. Look at the experience as a lesson learn and don't repeat it. Every situation we experience is an opportunity to mature and grow as a person. |