IS THERE A LIMIT TO WHAT SHOULD BE FORGIVEN?
Forgiveness is the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.
Growing up forgiveness was a real struggle for me. I was really good at holding grudges or harboring feelings. That was until every time I talked about my dad and how I felt about him not being present during my childhood. I would get this terrible chest pain that would last for what seemed like an eternity. Everyone around me would say you need to deal with those harbored feelings you have towards your dad to get rid of that pain for good.
Studies have found that the act of forgiveness can reap huge rewards for your health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels and sleep; and reducing pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression and stress.
My summer break was coming up which meant I would be going to South Carolina to spend it with my dad. I remember like it was yesterday having a conversation with God about what I should do. "Destiny, you need to tell your dad exactly how you feel, respectfully of course. But, don't go into it basing it off of his response but on your healing." is what God's response was.
That message from God has went with me in a many of situations that required me to forgive even when the other party had no remorse for their actions. I go into every conversation selfishly for my release and healing more than I do for their apology. This allows you to honestly get off your chest what is bothering you and avoids you from just saying what you think you should say to not cause a bigger conflict. Now, less be clear I am obviously having the conversation to have a peaceful and healthy resolution. However, a lot of us feel some way or are harboring feelings toward people we are laughing and hanging out with everyday.
I don't want to shorten my life or live an unhealthy one because of unforgiveness or fraudulent forgiveness. Your healing is in you releasing it and forgiving, not in the reaction of the party that caused the pain. Reading Mark 11:25 really sealed the deal for me. "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
So whether you chose to have the conversation with the person or not forgive them. Write a letter to them you will never share, go to a boxing class or even the gun range. lol. Find a way to release and get your healing by forgiving.
Have you being harboring feeling towards someone? This is a no judgement zone. Comment below with your answer and a way you are choosing to deal with it today.
