Have you ever wondered how many times you must forgive that persistent offender?
He/She is just unrepentantly at it, stepping on your toes not minding where it hurts or the impact.
I am sure at such moments this question comes to mind. Forgive, how many times?
Sometimes it could be your spouse, child, close friend or coworker that hurts you. You thought you could count on them, you thought you could trust them, but they let you down.
After you have been hurt and the initial rush of emotion has passed, you’re now presented with a new challenge: Do you forgive the person?
What does forgiving entail?
By forgiving, you let go of your grievances and allow yourself to heal. While this may sound good in theory, practically forgiveness can sometimes feel impossible.
Many studies have shown that practicing forgiveness is good for your emotional and physical health.
Anger, bitterness,hate are emotions that weigh heavily on your body and in your thoughts. When you don’t process and release these emotions, they remain trapped inside you and can cause physical ailments like high blood pressure and depression.
When you forgive and let go of a grievance, you are freeing your body and your mind.
Forgiveness is letting go of resentments grievances and thoughts of revenge that you hold against someone else.
In Matt 18:21-22, Peter asked how often? Jesus answered, 70×7. Forgiveness from this scripture is not conditional. We just keep forgiving. Why? In Mark 11:25-26 if we don’t, God won’t forgive our sins. I don’t believe any grudge is worth sacrificing answers to my prayers, my health or eternity for.
Benefits of forgiveness.
Forgiveness frees you from being tied to the past.
Forgiveness enables you build a stronger immune system as you release toxic feelings.
Forgiveness empowers you to build healthier relationships as you learn to love and trust again.
Forgiveness is beneficial for your health.
Are you ready to forgive? Here are some things you can do.
Bring to mind what has been done.
Remind yourself it is in the past and that is where it belongs.
Embrace the lessons learnt from it.
Let go of any hurt in your heart.
Refuse to remain a victim.
Forgive whoever offended you and yourself where necessary.
Practice forgiveness regularly.
May God give you the grace to let go of the hurts and truly forgive from your heart in Jesus name.