If we want peace and harmony in our life, forgiveness is a topic we must tackle.

Let’s pretend for a minute that the balloon pictured represents the wrong done either to you or by you. Visualize that you have written on that balloon what has been said or done. So now you have a choice: either you hang on to that balloon, meaning you’re not ready to forgive and it is something you drag around with you everywhere you go, or you let go of that balloon, deciding that it is better to forgive and let it disappear from your life completely.

Are you ready to dig deeper?

To forgive yourself: this is probably the most difficult of them all. We are hardest on ourselves because we know we can do better, and yet still fail. We begin to doubt our ability to achieve being nicer, kinder, gentler, more loving, by putting others before our own self. To forgive yourself is to accept the fact that you messed up, but trust that with the help of God, you will improve in this area. He has already forgiven you, so why would you hold this over your own head if the Lord doesn’t? If we cannot forgive ourselves, then we cannot truly forgive someone else.

We need not walk around in shame of our sin, but merely ask for and accept what has already been freely and willingly given, and that is forgiveness of our sins. So, no more moping, no more guilt, just repent of it, seek His help to change, and lift up your eyes in gratitude for that which He has already done for us, and know that He sees us through His eyes of love and compassion.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace..”
Ephesians 1:7

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1

To forgive another: to relinquish the right to express anger or hurt caused by another, or relinquish the right to hold a grudge, by willingly and freely forgiving that person without expectations of an apology or change, with love and acceptance of that person regardless of their weaknesses knowing that their faults are no greater than your own, and to see that person with eyes of tenderness and compassion.
(No, not easy, but very necessary. It does get easier the more you do it!)

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15

I know from a woman’s perspective, we want to HEAR the words “I am sorry” before WE forgive, but that cannot be so. Remember, with God, He forgave us 2000 years ago, without hearing any apologies!

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”
Mark 11:25

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13

God forgives: to relinquish the right to condemn or to hold a grudge against anyone, by willingly and freely forgiving that person without expectations of an apology or change, with love and acceptance of that person regardless of their weaknesses, and to see that person with His eyes of love and compassion, as a result of Jesus paying the ultimate sacrifice and giving his life and blood to redeem us at the cross.

(Jesus said) “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Matthew 26:28

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”
Psalm 103:12

If God Almighty, the Creator, the Holy I AM, can forgive us and forget about it and encourage us in love, then surely we can forgive and let it go.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32

Food for thought: THERE IS FREEDOM IN FORGIVENESS!!

Fun facts: 1. Balloons used to be made out of animal bladders, such as pig bladders. Hmm…can you name another item that used to be made out of pig bladders? Yes, footballs!! 2. Party balloons are now made up mostly of natural latex from Rubber trees. 3. Helium, the gas that is lighter than air, is what causes the balloons to float. 4. If the conditions were optimal, a balloon released outside could travel up to 1,000 miles or more.

Photo by: Pixabay