Let it Go and be Free

Has anyone ever done you wrong? Have you ever done anyone wrong?
Yes and yes!

Unfortunately, all of us have been hurt, and all of us have hurt someone else. This is a cycle that we all navigate through but the question is, how do we respond?

The answer to this question depends on the foundation of your life. Some want revenge. Some hold grudges. Some live in anger. Some choose to hate and some will forgive.

Forgiveness. This is how we let it go and be free!

Unforgiveness is how we hold to it and are bound.

Forgiveness is profound because through it we have our connection to Jesus. We’re forgiven of our sins and made right with God through Christ. Our conscience can be cleaned and our lives freed from the chains that bound us.

“But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬

So if forgiveness from God is a big deal, then the enemy counter attacks our lives with unforgiveness.

This is one of the reasons why we’re tempted to get even, hold onto grudges and not forgive others. But when we do this, we are trapped and imprisoned to the person and the event that hurt us.

This is how we grow hard and cold in our relationship with God and in life. But this is not what God wanted for us and so when something happens to us we have a way to overcome, forgive!

Let it go and be free.

When we forgive we choose to let it go and we go free from the person and the situation that hurt us. We are then able to be healed and move forward. God is able to turn anything in our lives for good. He’s able to redeem our hurt and use it for a bigger purpose. But to have this, we must forgive.

It’s important to note that, Jesus said forgive others but he never said to trust them. There are times that we will forgive someone but not trust them anymore, and that’s OK. Will be times where we forgive someone and they are removed from our lives, and that’s OK too. Our part is to forgive and move forward in with what Jesus has called us to do.

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬

Notice, we forgive others, because we have been forgiven. This is not based on if the person deserves it, or if they have done everything right. This is based on our foundation of faith in Jesus. We forgive freely because we have been forgiven freely. We move forward because God has more for us and life is too short to hang on to someone or a situation that will only imprison us in ongoing pain.

There’s no doubt that all of us will need to forgive someone this year. Maybe you need to forgive someone right now. No matter the situation. I encourage all of us to choose forgiveness. Let it go and be free.

Jesus has a great life of purpose and productivity for each of us. Let’s rise above the temptation to not forgive, and instead do it God’s way by forgiving.

So, here’s my encouragement.

First, pray for those that have hurt daily. This is biblical and it gives healing to us.

Second, seek to apologize and make things right with anyone you have hurt. There is healing in this.

Third, let the person know that hurt you the decision you’ve made to forgive. If doesn’t matter what they do. It’s about being free as you forgive.

Move forward this year and don’t fall for this trap of unforgiveness. Stay close to God and forgive others and watch God do His full work in you.

Have a great week and the best is yet to come,

PD