Sandra Hubbard

Did you know there’s a thief among us? We see him. But don’t demand he leave.

Instead we befriend him. Partner with him. Live daily with him.

He is offense.

Wrongs done to us. Yesterday. Last year. Several years ago. That we still think about, talk about, remember today.

Hurts we refuse to forgive. Are unwilling to forget. And allow to rob us emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Yes, we could forgive them. But that feels like we’re approving their actions.

So we don’t.

I once held grudges like great treasures. Refusing to part with them.

I’d pray for forgiveness. Yet refused to forgive.

Holding onto offense is a choice. That comes with a result. Long term. Life defining.

Forgiveness brings freedom. Staying offended keeps us shackled to the very hurt we beg God relief from.

I wouldn’t forgive. Until I began to grasp the principle of forgiveness.

“For IF you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. BUT if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” Matt 6: 14 – 15

Clear. Simple. Scriptural. If I forgive them then He forgives me.

Wounds can be life altering. Creating results we never dreamed of. Or deserved. Or asked for.

They can happen in childhood, relationships, on the job. Even in church.

And if they’re allowed to take root in our hearts we suffer. Until they are uprooted. Which happens when we forgive.

When I refused to forgive the only person I hurt was me. My health suffered. My heart ached. My joy left.

I don’t know who you need to forgive. Or why. But you do.

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is the sweet peace and freedom that come when you forgive.