You can choose to forgive
Every Tuesday in Las Vegas, I need to put the garbage and recycling bins on the street in front of my house. It’s not a difficult task, but it’s a very important one. Unfortunately, I’ve missed a few days because of travel, and the smell from the garbage bins was toxic. Have you ever left your lunch or dirty gym socks in a school locker? I have.
In 2021, I imagine we all experienced some garbage in our lives. What did you do with those memories and emotions? Did you repress them, hide them, or dump them on someone else? The Bible gives us a clear picture of what we should do with every hurt, pain, offense, or frustration from our past: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31, NIV) Notice that we are commanded to get rid of it all.
friend, please don’t bring emotional garbage into a new year. 2022 can become a new year full of promise and blessings as long as we don’t choose to hold on to offenses, hurt, trauma, and anger. The Bible even gives a warning for those who choose to hold on to this emotional and relational garbage: “‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” (Ephesians 4:26, NIV)
Traumas and offenses are very real. I’ve lived through many betrayals, backstabbings, and countless hurts, but I’ve chosen to forgive every time. Forgiveness is a choice, not an emotion. Jesus even said, “‘For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.’” (Matthew 6:14, NIV)
Forgiveness does not free the other person from his/her ethical and moral obligations, but it will free you. Forgiveness is for your benefit, not the other person’s. If you don’t forgive, the enemy gets a foothold in your life. If we don’t forgive, the enemy will take up valuable real estate in our brains and emotions. Please don’t let that happen.
friend, 2022 can become a year of healing and breakthrough, but it must begin with a bold choice to forgive. You can do it because you are a miracle, and God will bring justice into your life. He did it for me.
