Holding on to anger is no good. We know that. God knew what He was doing with forgiveness, because it allows us to be free. Not the people that did us wrong, but us, the ones who hold on to anger because of things others did. Because of things we had no control over. Forgiveness allows us to take a big, deep breath, and move on to better things.
I especially like this quote when it comes to forgiveness:
“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Isn’t that the best? If you had any doubts on whether forgiveness is “worth it” this quote puts it all in perspective. For every minute you spend being angry at someone (who, let’s face it, is probably not giving you a second thought), that’s a minute you could have been enjoying your life.
Letting things go, the really big things that change our life and hold us back, is hard. I know that better than anybody. I’m right with you, all you folks who write to me and tell me about the troubled times you’ve experienced. I know. I pray for you all. I hate to see people suffering and in pain.
One reason I talk about my past is because I want all of you folks who have experienced so much and have gone through similar things to know that a life filled with happiness is possible. You can make that happen, no matter your past. You may have to work to get there. Anything in life worth doing takes work, so don’t let it stop you. The first place to start? Forgiveness. Ask God to show you how to do it. Ask Him to come into your heart and allow you to let go of this horrible thing you carry with you. Give to Him. He can take it, and more than that, He wants to take it. He wants to lift it from you. Start with forgiveness, and allow yourself to embrace the peace that is yours and waiting for you.
Image: sxc.hu
