How could I help this man see that to be freed from his pain he needed to forgive the woman who’d caused it?

I’m sure people have hurt and disappointed you too. It’s part of life on planet earth. Maybe that’s why Jesus included forgiveness in the prayer He taught his disciples.

“Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matt. 6:12 NLT).

Isn’t it ironic that we must forgive the ones we least want to forgive? This isn’t a cruel joke. It’s protection. Granting forgiveness heals our wounds and frees our souls.

Isn’t it ironic that we must forgive the ones we least want to forgive? This isn’t a cruel joke. It’s protection. Granting forgiveness heals our wounds and frees our souls. @DebbieWWilson #RechargeWednesday
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Some articles I’ve read on forgiveness presented platitudes that do more harm than good. They paint forgiveness as a magic wand that erases all pain. They say residual hurt feelings indicate unforgiveness. That may be true in some cases. But in others, the hurt reveals the depth of the wound.

Scratches heal quickly. But deep injuries take time to mend. Forgiveness sets healing in motion.

Scratches heal quickly. But deep injuries take time to mend. #Forgiveness sets healing in motion. #RechargeWednesday
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Sometimes we want to avoid the hard work of forgiving, so we tell ourselves, “It’s no big deal.” Or we say, “This is too big. They don’t deserve to be forgiven.”

When we face resistance, it helps to remember who benefits most from our forgiveness. We do—as well as those we love.

They may not deserve our forgiveness. But do we deserve to prolong our suffering by holding on to the sharp barbs of bitterness? Or do our loved ones deserve to live with the hostility of our resentment or be shaped by a destructive example?

Forgiveness always benefits the one who gives it. And it protects our loved ones, because bitterness is a poisonous root that spreads (Hebrews 12:15).

#Forgiveness always benefits the one who gives it. #RechargeWednesday
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The person who wronged us may not even realize our turmoil—or care. They may be dead. But if our resentment lives on, we suffer. And our resentment spills on those close to us.

Bitterness not only drains our joy; it erects a barrier between us and God. He hasn’t moved, but we feel distant. Tormented souls snap at small irritations, miss the beauty around them, and injure anyone in their wake. How many spouses, children, and coworkers suffer because of someone’s unwillingness to forgive?

Forgiveness frees us from these damaging effects.

Christ Is Our Example

Christ forgives injuries –

• done in ignorance
• done intentionally
• that appear slight
• that cause tremendous harm

Your freedom is at stake. Forgive to free yourself from turmoil. Forgive for the sake of those you love.

I explained the benefit of forgiveness with my shuttle driver. When we reached the airport, he handed me my luggage. “I’m going to do what you said,” he smiled. “I am going to be free.”

What about you? Are you ready to be free? Forgiveness brings freedom for the one who forgives. Forgive—For your sake and the sake of all you love—including Jesus.

Are you ready to be free? Forgiveness brings freedom for the one who forgives. Forgive—For your sake and the sake of all you love—including Jesus. @DebbieWWilson #RechargeWednesday
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LINKUP PARTY is open! This week, my dear friend @DebbieWWilson brings us a poignant post about the life-changing rewards of forgiveness. You don't want to miss it! Join us and share your blog!
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