So Why Should You Forgive?

It isn’t easy to forget an emotional wound that cut deeply and hurt so badly that it continuously feels active and new. Most people do not delight in reliving the past, yet it seems impossible to forget what was so painful. Forgiveness is possible even where hurt and anger are entrenched in your feelings and attitudes.

When you internalize anger and resentment, you turn these powerful emotions against yourself. These emotions damage your well-being by the stress they generate. By extending forgiveness to others, a wide range of benefits become available to you and the other person. Forgiveness is validated by actions and deeds.

Make up your mind to be forgiving for your own peace of mind and clear conscience. Forgiveness is made possible by believing God has forgiven you of every sin you’ve committed. God does not hold grudges, so follow his example by forgiving others. You will not regret it.   

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Jesus said: Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you.

~Luke 6:37 Contemporary English Version

 

My prayer for you, my very dear friend, is that you may be as healthy and prosperous in every way as you are in soul.

~3 John 1:2 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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Securing Peace Within

It’s interesting to note that most businesses prepare for the Christmas season by purchasing products well in advance. I know someone who shops for holiday gifts in July. For this person it decreases stress and provides for a consciousness of peace. Being at peace with oneself is a worthy objective.

While securing peace is not always easy, conflict resolution is usually possible. What causes peace to be fragile and tentative is that human nature tends to believe one’s own way of thinking and believing is superior to others. Contentment, joy, and peace come by accepting that all people are created in the image of God.

While this may not totally eliminate disharmony, you can listen to what others believe, think, and feel without arguing. Although difficult, you can conduct yourself on this level. Listen to Philippians 4:7.  “Let the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” That is God's gift to you.

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“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

~John 14:27 New Living Translation 

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Worn Down by Worry?

A little anxiety is not unhealthy when it serves as a deterrent to neglecting responsibilities or opportunities. Anxiety about losing your job serves as motivation to show up on time, ready to work. Some chronic worriers, however, become so fixated on the negatives of life that thanksgiving and happiness are beyond experiencing.

Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or what you will wear. Life is more important than food and clothes.” Jesus spoke these words to help people refocus on what ultimately matters. Worry stifles trust in God while immobilizing the brain’s ability to consider and apply alternative solutions to problems.

Too much worry damages your health by creating headaches, high blood pressure, ulcers and other problems. In place of worry and anxiety, Jesus will give you peace of mind and the desire to express thanksgiving and happiness. He invites you to place all of your worries on him for he knows what distresses you. Do this now.  

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Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall.

~Psalm 55:22 The Living Bible