Forgiveness, the necessary step
Someone once said unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. That is because unforgiveness is a poison even though we feel justified.
Recently, I went to minister to someone who was going blind due to Glaucoma. She was already nearly blind in one eye, and the other eye was misty with limited view.
As I spent some time with her, I felt moved to ask her if she had any bitterness in her heart.
The lady began to weep. She recounted a very sad story of an injustice that had been done to her.
Her story was agonizing and I was myself pained listening to it. She was so hurt by the ordeal that she admitted every night she had nightmarish images of seeking revenge to the individual.
Jesus on the Cross said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”. These are words from a Man who has been abused physically, emotionally, mentally, morally and with injustice.
These are words from a Man who saw His closest buddy betray Him; someone He had invested a lot of time with. These are words from a Man who saw another close buddy deny Him three times.
But you say that was Jesus. Yes, Jesus also taught His disciples (and us) to forgive an offence, even if the same offence, seventy times seven.
Forgiveness is a choice. God would not ask us to do something that He knew we could not do. Remember He has forgiven us too.
Medically today, Science has proven that a lot of chronic and even incurable diseases are linked to forgiveness and bitterness. That definitely sobers me up and puts me on the right side of forgiveness!
Well, back to my story earlier. I asked the lady if she wanted to release the person who had caused her so much distress. Before I could pray for her, it was vital that she took that necessary step. She conceded declaring with tears some words I asked her to repeat after me.
I then prayed for her eyes. And to God’s glory, she testified afterwards that the eye that was misty was clearer; she could see my hair and features and the cars steaming past outside. She also said that the eye that was blinded was now seeing white light. Her healing had begun. Praise God!
What decision will you make today? Don’t drink the poison of unforgiveness. Take the first step today towards a clearer, brighter future.
Prayer
Forgiveness is not a will power step. You need the power of God to forgive some hideous things that may have happened to you. Forgiveness is a miracle in itself.
“Don’t struggle in your life to forgive; receive God’s forgiveness and pass it on to others” – Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD
About The Author
It is very difficult not to become bitter. Seeing the people that have wronged you go forward in their lives while you’re still hurting is the most horrendous feeling in the world. It is true that letting go will set you free, holding onto if only hurts you.
Sometimes forgiveness is very hard to do. But I agree it truly is a poison and your are only hurting yourself. Good to forgive! 🙂