A gardener had an abundance of zucchini. He took a basket of the green cylinders to his neighbors. He rang the doorbell, greeted one of his neighbors, and extended the basket. She took two.
He said, “Take all you want!” With a smile, she promptly returned the two zucchinis to his basket. Some things are hard to give away!
Few things in life are harder to give away than forgiveness. Forgiveness is releasing our grip on resentment and hurt and asking God to heal the damage it caused in our hearts.
We don’t necessarily have to forget what happened. We don’t have to trust the offenders immediately. But we don’t hold their offense against them.
Forgiveness is a process. We keep forgiving until our emotions agree with our decision.
Forgiveness is biblical. Once executed, it brings a host of benefits. Let’s consider thirty-two reasons to forgive.
We offend others and need to be forgiven ourselves.
Unforgiveness makes relating to our tornado of negative emotions unpleasant.
Those who offend us can change and be among our future best friends.
Forgiveness extracts the bitterness and resentment from our lives. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31–32 NLT).
Forgiveness without waiting for the offender to apologize frees us to get on with our lives.
Because people watch us, we are role models some will imitate and forgive their offenders.
Forgiveness makes us more beautiful like Jesus who forgave those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34).
Forgiveness frees us from wasting valuable time fuming about the offense.
We forgive because God forgave us. “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13 NLT).
We forgive because we love Jesus and obey his command to forgive (John 14:15).
We forgive because we are not God’s agents of justice to settle scores with offenders. That is His department. “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 12:19 NLT).
Forgiveness frees us from the fallout of “I am a victim” thinking.
Forgiveness improves our relationships by overlooking the damage sinful behaviors wreak so we can move on in relationships.
Forgiveness increases our emotional health by reducing anxiety, depression, stress, and hostility against others.
Forgiveness improves our blood pressure, heart health, and immune system.
Forgiveness restores our hope, positivity, and optimism.
Forgiveness renews our ability to experience joy.
Forgiveness bestows peace of mind and peace with God because it stops our rebellion against His will and ways.
Forgiveness enables us to return to God’s purpose for our lives.
Forgiveness makes us stronger, more Jesus-like people.
Forgiveness stops us from hurting ourselves.
Forgiveness helps us feel better about ourselves.
Forgiveness improves our sleep quality.
Forgiveness softens us and gives us more compassion for hurting people.
Forgiveness permits greater flexibility in facing challenges.
Forgiveness is step one in restoring trust and reconciling relationships.
Forgiveness passes a faith trial, strengthens our character, and grows us spiritually.
Forgiveness reminds us of our failures and the need to be humble.
Forgiveness extracts negative emotions from the driver’s seat of our lives.
Forgiveness demonstrates our self-control because the offense no longer dominates us.
Forgiveness helps maintain unity within families.
Forgiveness eliminates the pain accompanying long-term conflicts with others.
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Sources
3. Reasons To Forgive Someone Even When You Are Hurting – The Creator's Classroom (thecreatorsclassroom.com)
See free spiritual growth resources for Christians at https://www.christiangrowthresources.com
God has empowered me to write “His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength.” It’s a free evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship eBook. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead more than 3,100 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 8,521 people. I invite you to check it out.
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