How can one word have such a huge meaning and sometimes be so hard to do?

Lately, this word has been consuming my thoughts like crazy. From the time I wake up to the time I lay down to go to sleep, the art of forgiveness has been on my mind and in my heart like never before.

Last year, I sat down and wrote a letter to my dad. As I begin to write and just let me feelings go, I realized that although I said it many times before, the truth was: I hadn’t forgiven him for so many things.

 

It took my a while, but eventually I forgave him. I mean truly forgave him. And it was in that moment of forgiveness, praying and releasing, that I begin to experience a true freedom in my life. I begin to feel…lighter.

When you forgive someone, you don’t do it for them. You do it for yourself. Forgiveness helps us because it allows to be free in God and allows Him the room to do His work in us. I literally feel happier and feel so much better emotionally and physically when I’m not filled with the poison of resentment. Yes, I do believe harboring resentment is poison. Resentment leads to stress. Stress leads to health issues that can lead to serious diseases and sickness and I’m sorry, but my health is WAY more important to me than what someone did to me years ago.

I’m a firm believer in “You reap what you sow.” If you sow judgement, you’ll receive judgement. If you sow negativity into others, you’ll receive negativity. So, naturally, if you sow resentment, you’ll receive resentment. Not forgiving someone for something they did to you doesn’t hurt them. It hurts you. It gives the enemy mental, emotional and physical control of you. When the enemy controls you, God can’t bless you.

And honestly…Is harboring anger toward someone really worth you missing out on your blessing? 

When you forgive, it allows God to flow freely through you. Forgiveness, by the grace of God has opened my heart to love and true happiness. I’m in such an amazing place in this stage of life and I honestly don’t think I would be here had I not let go of some of the things in my past. I’m surrounded by so much love from my family and friends that I don’t have time to hold on to hurt.

Forgiveness is a daily thing for me. I have to forgive Ethan for something at least once a day (LOL) and I don’t even want to know how many times a day he forgives me. When it comes to our relationship, sometimes, forgiving is easier said than done. But, we know that holding on hurt and pain will take off our eyes off the big picture, which can cause us to miss out on our purpose. Besides, if I didn’t forgive my family or friends when they hurt me, I’d be SO lonely!!

If you’re holding on to something from your past, it’s time to LET IT GO. If you’re walking around with guilt from decisions you’ve made over the years, FORGIVE YOURSELF. You can’t continue to allow yourself to live in the past, beat yourself up and miss out on your present. I don’t care if it’s from years ago or yesterday, find peace in the fact that you are a little older and a little wiser and let it go.

No matter what comes your way this week, do yourself a favor: Forgive and Let Go.

You’ll be glad you did. 🙂

After all, ten times out of ten, the person you’re mad at is out there living life…why aren’t you?

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo,