“Forgiveness doesn’t make the other person right, it makes you free.”
Stormie Omartian

“He that carries bitterness to bed with him will find the devil creeping between the sheets.”
William Secher

Forgiveness is a powerful remedy for insomnia. (I’m sure it probably is pretty good at healing a myriad of miscellaneous health issues if anger and hurt has been allowed to camp out just a little too long in your life) I’ve known people that have harbored such hate and resentment for so long that they have forgotten what it is they’re stewing over or can’t make up enough goofy reasons to justify their negative feelings. More than likely it boils down to little of nothing worth mumbling about. Apparently they’re masochistic and just enjoy the bitter gnawing sting and misery of anger and hatred.

But, for the rest of us who have received some legitimate damage by someone of our fellow human beings, forgiveness can be a process. Grieving over a loss or heartache that was caused may be necessary, but hopefully should not be allowed to drag on and steal more joy than it should. Do some “housekeeping” on those nasty little emotions, pack their gnarly little bags and send them packing right along with the devil, their rightful landlord.

Here of late, laying my head down on the pillow at night is a  little easier knowing that I really, truly and honestly am quite over “it”. You know what “it” can be……….it could be something as simple as getting cut off rudely in traffic or as earth shattering as a shocking-backstabbing-betrayal by a trusted and well loved friend. The most surprising thing about forgiving someone is that even if that someone never requested the forgiveness (because, chances are they don’t ever know the pain they’ve caused)….anyhow, the most revealing thing about the act of forgiveness is what it does for the one doing the forgiving. Yes, forgiveness is actually for the one that was harmed, hurt, or sustained some sort of damage to heart, body, mind or soul. Letting go of the memory and refusing to time-travel back to the event is even more liberating. We are in control of what we allow our minds to entertain. So, why choose to entertain replays of past offenses? Let it go……. Let it go so it’ll let you go. Forgive. The forgiveness is for our own peace of mind and then, and only then, will we receive healing and forgiveness for our own offenses.

You know, its quite obvious that Jesus knew what He was talking about……….

go read about it>>>>

Matthew 5:44-45

Matthew 18:21-35

Mark 11:25

Luke 7:47-48

Luke 23:34

John 20:22-23

More interesting quotes on forgiveness……….

“I had the choice to either grow up and find God in the situation or become bitter. I chose to find God. And I experienced freedom like I never knew before. “
Heather Mercer – Christian Aid Worker who was imprisoned in Afghanistan, 2001.

“If someone has wronged you, and you get revenge, you will be pleased for a minute, If you forgive him, you will be happy forever. “
Anonymous

“Forgive, forget. Bear with the faults of others as you would have them bear with yours. Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious.”
Phillips Brooks

“But forgiveness is not an emotion… Forgiveness is an act of will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”
Corrie Ten Boom