I have wondered how people can walk through life with unforgiveness. I have seen how people have been consumed as if it were a cancer. As one carries this burden, stress, sleeplessness, and uneasiness can become threatening to their health. The person who willingly, unwillingly, or doesn’t even realize that they have done anything offensive usually sleeps like a baby. Meanwhile, the one who is stricken with the cancer of unforgiveness tosses and turns in their slumber. The sighting of the offender causes one to cringe and experience feelings that stir their soul with anger, hatred, and even bodily harm.

Back at the ranch…..the other person strolls happily along, whistling and enjoying life!

Forgiveness not only releases the one forgiving from the burden that they have been carrying, but also the one who is being forgiven to be ministered to through the Holy Spirit. Healing comes much easier when one doesn’t think that the world is out to get them. Unforgiveness is spiritual filthiness, so we have to get washed in the water of God’s Word to forgive and stay clean.

I believe that accepting forgiveness may be harder than the act of forgiving. One has to unconditionally accept the forgiveness, or take inventory and accept that there could be something known or unknown that they have done. Either way…….There is freedom in forgiveness on both sides!!!! Most could easily just accept that they have done something that has offended, injured, or caused someone else harm. If that is not possible……Well, I always wanted to see Jesus face to face. I have just realized that you are him! (or at least you are claiming to be)

Give! Accept! Rejoice! Forgiveness sets everyone free!  Forgiveness is not about the one being forgiven, but it is everything about the one who is forgiving! Allow God to work…….peace is for everyone!