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While conducting a DWI class a few months ago, I shared about resentments and how that will keep you in bondage to the person you resent.

I then asked if anyone in the group had resentments they were holding on to.  Most in the class were guilty of unforgiveness.  One of the men shared that he hated his stepfather.  I asked, “Is he still living?”  “No, he died years ago,” was his reply.  I then asked, “Are you allowing a person who is deceased to still have a hold on you and keep you in bondage?  What did he do that has tormented you all these years?”  “I’ll never forgive him for what he did,” he answered.  “He abused me and raped my sister when she was very young.”

I then told him I could understand his anger that has led to bitterness and poisoned every aspect of his life.  I suggested he ask God to give him a desire to forgive his stepfather and then write him a letter, even though he is deceased, asking him to forgive him for the sin of unforgiveness.

Jesus said that without forgiveness there cannot be freedom.  In our journey toward eternity, freedom invariably leads through the door named Forgiveness.

David Wilkerson once wrote:  Forgiveness is not just a one-time act, but a way of life, meant to bring us into every blessing in Christ.   “I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45).

According to Jesus, forgiveness isn’t a matter of picking and choosing whom we should forgive.  We have to forgive everyone who has offended us.

Keep in mind that forgiveness is the ultimate class act.  It allows us to be free to love and live and free to grow and mature – truly free – that’s what forgiveness can do.  I’ve heard it said that we are most like beasts when we kill, we are most like men when we judge, and most like God when we forgive.

 

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 7084, call (504) 881-0113, or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.