Imagine carrying a heavy bag with you every day which contains all sorts of items of various sizes and mass. Let’s say the bag is 1.5 times your own weight. You have to load it on your back and shoulders carrying it up and down stairs, lugging it when you’re fellowshipping with family and friends, and dragging it with you to work or wherever you go. It would be exhausting, right?
Now, imagine that the items in that bag are resentment, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and other such burdens. You keep wishing you didn’t have to carry all that stuff but you pick it up every time you wake up. It’s your most prominent care in the world, but geez how you wish you could just get relief. Well you can. We all can and it’s a decision-making moment that is worthwhile to have.
The question for you and only you is…
How would you feel if you no longer had the bag? What if you just dropped it and walked away? Do you think you can release the bag if you choose?
See, all of our situations are as different as trying to lose the weight gained during holiday festivals or due to years of sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles. This means the process to let go of the bag is truly that, a process, and will take time to loose. When there has been repentance we can take necessary actions while being patient that unforgiveness is released. We can also practice releasing the bag and walking away from it every day that we pick it up until we no longer pick it up.
There are benefits in choosing to release unforgiveness, bitterness, anger and resentment, especially when there has been repentance. Let’s expound on the reasons.
The hidden costs of unforgiveness can be recovered. Not forgiving is like a slow poison, affecting not only our mental and emotional well-being but also our physical health. It can manifest as stress, anxiety, and even physical ailments. The toll it takes on us is too high a price to pay.
Forgiveness demonstrates compassion. Being an unforgiving person creates strongholds that are self-limiting. Forgiveness isn’t about condoning hurtful actions or saying they were acceptable. It’s choosing to release the stronghold that anger, resentment, and bitterness have. It’s an act of compassion.
Forgiveness releases emotional bondage. By forgiving, we regain control of our emotional state. We free ourselves from the negative emotions that can consume our thoughts and drain our energy. This newfound freedom allows us to focus on what truly matters.
Forgiveness causes healing and growth rather than becoming stagnant. Forgiveness is a healing process. It helps us let go of the past and move forward. It’s an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser, emerging from our experiences with resilience.
When we forgive, we take back our power. We’re no longer held captive by the actions of others. We become the author of our own story, not a victim of circumstances.
Forgiveness also impacts our relationships and the world around us. By extending forgiveness to others, we foster empathy and understanding.
Forgiveness is also for you. Don’t forget to forgive yourself. We all make mistakes, and self-forgiveness is an integral part of living free from the weight of unforgiveness.
Unforgiveness is a prison that can keep us from living life to the fullest. By choosing to forgive, we release the power it holds over us and experience a sense of freedom. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Embrace the liberation that forgiveness offers, and watch as the life load becomes lighter, more joyful, and more fulfilling.
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