Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Now, I am quite sure we all have been subjected to being hurt by someone else. Perhaps so much so that you cannot find it in your heart to forgive. But my friends, that kind of attitude will only bring you misery in the long run.
It has been proven medically that unforgiveness can bring on certain stresses and other disorders that can affect your physical, emotional and yes, even your spiritual life and well being.
Harboring unforgiveness will only hurt you more than it will the other person. It's been said, that unforgiveness is like you drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. The opposite is quite true.
Further, the act of unforgiveness can have an eternal effect. As Jesus said, "if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you." Let that rest on your heart and mind for a moment.
Is your resentment so hardened by an act of another towards you that you are willing to go to the grave with that unforgiveness? First, let's understand that forgiveness does not release the other offending person. It actually release you, or frees you from the outcome.
Hey! Think about it this way, if Jesus went to the cross to die for the forgiveness of YOUR sins, and tells us that WE also need to forgive others, don't you think it is worth the time and effort and put away your stubbornness and let God free you from the angst and bitterness that unforgiveness produces in you heart and soul?
Life is too short and eternity is forever to try and hold onto an unforgiving spirit. It is good for nothing but heartache and misery, and that's no life.
Better yet, listen to what Paul says to the church:
Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
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