Breaking Chains

Forgiveness breaks the chains of our impulse to retaliate against an aggressor. We’re automatically elevated onto a higher level of functioning the moment forgiveness is activated. Giving up bitterness along with the need to punish is a clear demonstration of forgiveness in action. An attitude of forgiveness produces hope for future happiness.



The desire to forgive is empowering. It gives up the demand for retaliation. Once a commitment has been made to forgive, memories of the hurtful behavior may surface to obstruct the commitment to forgive. A key step in giving or receiving forgiveness is absorbing the pain that must be endured until it is cleansed from your heart and soul.

To break the chains of anger and resentment, the forgiving person may need to reaffirm their commitment to forgive. The resurgence of resentment will try to negate the progress forgiveness is capable of achieving. Remember, God will empower you by way of the Holy Spirit to help you restore your resolve to forgive. 

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“The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers.”

~Luke 4:18 Contemporary English Version

Plant your feet firmly therefore within the freedom that Christ has won for us, and do not let yourselves be caught again in the shackles of slavery.
~Galatians 5:1 Phillips - New Testament in Modern English

Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get long with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

~Romans 12:17-19 The Message

The Tenacious Grip of Resentment

We are reluctant to be forgiving when we assume the person who offended us doesn't deserve forgiveness. What we fail to see is that it’s to our advantage to forgive those who have wronged us, even in the most severe cases. True forgiveness unshackles us from revenge that’s driven by a compulsion to get even, either directly or passively. 

Unforgiving resentment, hurt, and fear weaken your emotional and physical health. Failing to forgive blocks your chance for happiness by creating negative attitudes that affect every aspect of life. Forcing yourself to be kind and giving toward the person who offended you will diminish the tenacious grip of resentment.

When you make the decision to forgive regardless of what it takes to achieve it, be ready for setbacks. Don't give up and become discouraged. As forgiveness becomes a reality, you will begin to experience a higher quality of life, both spiritually and mentally. Your behavior will please God and he will reward you for obeying Him.  

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Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the Lord.

~Leviticus 19:18 Good News Bible

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

~Romans 12:17-19 New Living Translation