“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” Proverbs 25:21-22 NASB
It can be easy to forgive others when the consequences have been minimal. When the damage has been limited. When there are no deep emotional scars.
But forgiveness becomes more difficult when the consequences are significant. When we feel wounded. When we feel that others have taken advantage of us. These situations can divide friendships and split marriages. They can turn friends into enemies.
Yet in spite of any personal justification, it is critical to learn how to forgive.
These conclusions were verified through studies by an independent nonprofit organization. The results confirmed that unforgiveness leads to stress and increases blood pressure and heart rate.
In contrast, forgiveness fosters health and healing. When we forgive others, negative emotions are replaced with positive ones. In fact, forgiveness reduces pain, depression, and anger.
This does not make it easy to forgive others. In fact, we naturally may be inclined to take revenge. To become angry or bitter.
But the Bible says that we need to react with forgiveness, and even reach out to those who might be our “enemies.” As we obey God in these moments, the Bible promises that He will repay us, and we will Reap the benefits.
Forgiveness also is important for our relationship with God. We need to remember that Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us” (Matthew 6:12). Jesus Himself demonstrated this principle when, speaking from the cross, He forgave the people who were crucifying Him (Luke 23:34).
Don’t allow unforgiveness to cripple your heart and mind. Ask God to help you forgive, and to be a forgiving person.
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