It seems that this time of year, for some, is full of great relationships that just make the Christmas Season so enjoyable. We all get together with family and friends and make memories that we will cherish the rest of our lives.
However there are few that worry this time of year because somehow there are friends or family that have hurt them so bad that forgiveness just does not seem to be an option.
This is truly a detriment to their Soul. So if this happens to be you, do not let another Christmas Season come and go while you hold on to anger. Look to forgive as we have been forgiven by God.
So what is forgiveness?
Forgiveness occurs when the cold feelings of unforgiveness are changed to warm, loving, compassionate, caring, emotions because of a heartfelt change that involves letting go of that desire to take revenge against a wrong done to you.
Therefore, unforgiveness is a state of resentment, bitterness, hatred, hostility, anger, fear, and stress toward an individual who has done wrong, or harmed another in some way. Unforgiveness is a cancer that eats away at the very soul of a person.
-Forgiveness does not mean that any wrongs done to you were acceptable.
-It does not diminish the evil done against you, nor is it a denial of what happened.
-It is a key part of not letting those wrongs hurt you any longer.
7 Reasons to Forgive
1. Forgiveness sets you free to move on with your life.
2. It refuses to let the other person who hurt you have any more power over your life.
3. It opens up your relationship with God.
4. It keeps you from becoming bitter, and thus protects those around you.
5. It keeps you from becoming like the person who hurt you.
6. Unforgiveness doesn't hurt the perpetrator as much as it hurts you.
7. God commands us to be forgiving.
So as you prepare for Christmas, forgive someone that has wronged you. Your soul will be glad you did. It will make your Christmas so much more meaningful when you treat others as Christ has treated you.
Rev. Dr. John Mozingo is the pastor at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Winterville, NC.