MONDAY AUGUST 12, 2013
“We love because he
first loved us.”
1Jn 4:19 NIV
FORGIVENESS (1)
One author writes: "Think of an area of unforgiveness
and see if any of these Reasons to hold a grudge resonate with you.
(a) Anger keeps more potent emotions at bay; once it’s gone you fear the
emotional flood that may follow. (b) A grudge takes time and energy, and you’re
not sure who you’d be without it. (c) You’ve replayed your
‘personal-betrayal-and-hurt movie’ so often you know it by heart. (d) The idea
of moving on is terrifying, whereas misery is familiar. (e) The offender has
done nothing to deserve forgiveness. (f) Harboring resentment stops you from
getting hurt again because nobody can get close.” Jesus said, "Why…look at
the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in
your own?” (Mt 7:3 NIV). This author says, "I’ve banged my plank into
walls and around corners so often I’m certain I have retina damage!” Now
consider these Reasons for releasing a grudge. (a) Relinquishing past
hurts frees you to embrace the present and future. (b) When you’re not spending
time and energy feeding a grudge, you can nourish new, healthy ideas. (c) The
offender can’t keep hurting you when you shake off the shackles and move on.
(d) Holding a grudge feels like a form of control, but actually
you’re the one being controlled. (e) Once you lower your defenses you can start
to heal, love, and be loved. (f) Feeling angry feels good temporarily, but
being healed feels so much better. (g) God mandates us to love because He first
loved us. You've held onto it long enough; it’s time to let it go and enjoy the
freedom that comes from forgiveness.
Taken from the Word for you Today devotional
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