Forgiveness: The Master Key To Unburden Your Heart

Forgiveness is essential in shaping the relationship between God and humans and relationships between humans. In the Bible, Jesus displayed the ultimate act of forgiveness as he was being crucified. Jesus begged God to forgive the sins of his crucifiers (Luke 23:34; then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.). While Jesus did this, he was in pain and anguish, but still, he didn’t feel hate for his enemies; rather, he beseeched his father to forgive them. The sole reason for this is to teach Christians the art of forgiveness.

Therefore, As Christians, we cannot be one with God if we cannot forgive when we are wronged. To be able to call ourselves children of God, we should exhibit the forgiving heart of Jesus. God has commanded Christians to forgive and forget. (Matthew 6:14–15) For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Every day of our lives, we seek forgiveness from God, and he forgives us. How do we know we are forgiven? The simple answer is the Bible. The Bible tells us that as long as we ask for forgiveness sincerely, we shall receive it. As a result, the Bible compels us to forgive those who wrong us, just as God forgives us when we do wrong.

importance of  forgiveness

*Forgiveness improves relationships:

Sometimes there’s bound to be conflict. Forgiveness allows both parties to let go of resentment and resolve conflict. Forgiveness helps to create understanding. When we view situations from other people’s perspectives, it becomes easier to forgive wrongdoings. Furthermore, forgiveness strengthens a relationship in the sense that it creates a safe space to communicate without the fear of castigation or retaliation.

*Emotional healing and physical health:

Negative emotions can dampen a person’s mental health. When we burden our souls with negative emotions, it affects our mental health and, thereby, our physical health. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:31–32: “31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ’s sake, hath forgiven you”. This verse talks about letting go of bitterness, rage, and malice, which dampen our mental health. Releasing all these emotions can help reduce stress and uplift a person’s soul.

*Personal growth:

Practicing forgiveness elevates one’s growth. To be able to see life through the lens of other people’s eyes is a gift. It takes a soul with humility and compassion to understand the feelings of others. The Bible says in Colossians 3:12–13: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone, Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”. furthermore,  most times, failure to see our faults during conflicts hinders us from forgiving. Colossians 3:12–13 teaches us that we can easily forgive and improve our growth if we recognize our flaws.

Also read: Kindness: The magic word for a Better World

*Spiritual peace:

Forgiveness is a direct pathway to peace in God. To receive forgiveness from God, we have to forgive others. The Bible says in Matthew 6:14–15: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly. Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their. trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”. Forgiveness is Godlike, so when we forgive wrongdoings, we move closer to God. Holding on to grudges can hinder spiritual growth. God values compassion and love, both of which are essential to achieving spiritual peace.

 

How to Forgive 

*Acknowledge your emotions: learn to accept your emotions. The Bible says in Psalm 51:17: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”. This verse tells us to bring to God all our emotions. Be it fear or anger, take it all to God because he loves a contrite heart and he doesn’t discriminate. Holding on to your anger and sadness can lead to bitterness, which will hinder the process of forgiveness.

 

*Practice forgiveness: Forgiveness isn’t a one-time event; it is a continuous act. Emotions run deep, and it’s not easy to get rid of emotions like anger and resentment. To forgive and forget, though it sounds easy, is not. That is why you have to make it a process. The Bible says in Matthew 18:21–22:21 “Then came Peter to him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times, but until seventy times seven.”. Be patient with yourself, and extend the same grace you receive from God to those who wrong you.

 

*Release and renew: forgiveness allows you to release the burden of resentment. It’s like casting heavy stones into a pond. Forgiveness allows you to heal and grow, hence bringing you closer to God.

 

*Choose forgiveness: forgiveness is a matter of choice between hate and your well being. It is a decision you make for your own well-being to release yourself from negativity. When you feel wronged, choose to forgive, not because you condone the act, but rather because of your well-being.

 

Content Credit/ Ajibola Emmanuel Adebayo

Picture Credit/ https://www.watermark.org/blog/what-is-forgiveness

https://www.allsaintsainslie.org.au/index.php/2020/09/09/forgive/