NO MORE CHAINS – FORGIVE AND BE FREE

Un-forgiveness, bitterness, resentment or any other type of offense have one thing in common: they all strip us of the ability to hear from God. The word of God is very clear. If we want God to forgive our sins, trespasses or offenses against Him, we must forgive others of their offenses and sins. In Ephesians 4:30-32, we are encouraged to be tenderhearted, compassionate and understanding of others, forgiving one another as God forgave us. When we harbor feelings of anger, ill-will or offense toward others, we grieve the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

When we refuse to let go the hurt, pain or offense caused by others, it hardens our heart and creates a barrier between us and God. In essence, un-forgiveness prevents us from being sensitive to God’s voice and promptings. It causes us to inflict undue harm and pain upon ourselves. Recently, I read a saying on Facebook, “refusing to forgive someone is like taking poison and hoping the other person dies.”

When we don’t let go of the hurt or anger caused by others, we literally poison ourselves. The well of love, joy, peace of mind and grace that once flowed freely in our lives, is now contaminated, bitter and void of life. Its rancid waters now carry rancid nutrients to the thirsty areas in our hearts. Un-forgiveness robs you of the ability to enjoy the many blessings of God. It causes you to become spiritually constipated and unable to release the impurities in your heart. In order to worship God in the beauty of holiness—in the spirit of truth—forgiving those who have hurt, mistreated or used you is essential. Worshipping God, similar to the Bhakti, requires active involvement. Holding on to anger, animosity or offense, blocks your ability to worship and receive from God. For many of us, this is our story. But ask yourself this: why would you allow someone to live in your heart rent free while robbing you of your prized possessions? The answer is you wouldn’t.

We have to be willing to give ourselves the gift of forgiveness. When Paul and Silas were chained in prison, their simple act of worship caused their chains to loose and the jail doors to fly open. The same holds true for us. By embracing forgiveness, we cause the chains and shackles that bind us to fall powerlessly to the ground. This simple act of faith and courage, releases us to walk in power and live victoriously. We don’t have to fall prey to un-forgiveness. We can let the peace from Christ rule our hearts. This peace empowers us to release the hurts of offense and embrace the fruit of the spirit: patience, kindness, love, joy, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, peace and self-control. We must allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. We must learn to be “responsive to and guided by the Spirit,” as stated in Galatians 5:16. Forgiveness is an act of worship that allows God to bless and heal us.

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved