Forgiveness is essential for good human relationships. You cannot give a hug with your arms folded.
Forgiveness of others also assures us of God’s forgiveness of our own faults and failures. In Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV) Jesus said, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
The weight of unforgiveness greatly drags a person down. It is a tremendous load to carry in the race that we Christians are called to run.
When faced with the decision to forgive and forget, never make the excuse, “But no one knows what that person did to me!” That may be true, but the question is: do you know what unforgiveness will do to you?
What Really Matters is What Happens in Us Not to Us
Unforgiveness leads to great bitterness, which is a deadly misuse of the creative flow from above. Great amounts of mental energy and brainpower are used up in pondering over a negative situation and plotting how to “get even.” This kind of thinking is totally unproductive.
People who make a habit of burning bridges will discover it is they who have been left isolated and alone. They will deal with neutrals and enemies the rest of their lives.
That’s why we should build bridges, not burn them. Vengeance is a poor traveling companion. Every Christian is called to a ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18). Getting even always causes imbalance and unhappiness in a life.
As I have worked with churches throughout America, in every stagnating situation I have found areas of unforgiveness. And conversely, I have found that, generally speaking, churches that are growing don’t talk about past problems.
Never underestimate the power of forgiveness to loose and free you to accomplish your goals and fulfill your calling. It is the one power you have over a person who slanders or criticizes you. The farther you walk in forgiveness, the greater the distance you put between yourself and the negative situation.
Forgiveness gives you a spring in your spiritual walk and a second wind in the race of life.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing
John Mason is an international bestselling author, minister, publisher, executive author coach, and noted speaker. He’s the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group. Both organizations are dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their God-given destinies.
He has authored thirty-two books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An Original—Don’t Die A Copy, Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop, and Know Your Limits Then Ignore Them which have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 40 different languages throughout the world. His books are widely regarded as a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published twice in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national and international publications. Seven of his books have reached number one on Amazon bestseller lists.
He’s been the president of two Christian publishing companies. He’s also a former Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Publishers (Harper Collins), the 6th largest book publisher in the world and largest Christian publisher.
He’s an internationally recognized executive author coach, helping numerous prominent authors with their books for more than thirty years. Politicians, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLB, an Olympic gold medalist and other professional athletes, billionaires, businesspeople, pastors, ministers, New York Times bestselling authors, a Fortune 500 CEO, Navy SEALs, Top Gun pilots, and a Texas governor have all benefitted from his knowledge.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the US and around the world.