*I hesitated to post a quote from Ponder, because I'm not much for her prosperity theology, I really consider her a greedy charlatan who feeds on our greed and fears- be that as it may, what I appreciate about this quote is what it says about what forgiveness does for the forgiver. Some people look at forgiveness as something they need for what they've done wrong. Some think of it as just another religious duty they grant to others because it's part of piety. Some think it's something that only God can grant, some figure they're beyond being forgivable.
What this quote points out is that forgiveness not only benefits the recipient, but also the giver. Think about it. If you hold on to anger and resentment, you continue to be a victim of whoever wronged you. If somehow, you can manage to forgive them, you are freed from that indenture. It's not just a good idea spiritually, religiously, doctrinally and theologically. It's healthy emotionally, psychologically, and socially.
What this quote points out is that forgiveness not only benefits the recipient, but also the giver. Think about it. If you hold on to anger and resentment, you continue to be a victim of whoever wronged you. If somehow, you can manage to forgive them, you are freed from that indenture. It's not just a good idea spiritually, religiously, doctrinally and theologically. It's healthy emotionally, psychologically, and socially.
This quote may make forgiveness seem kind of selfish, but bottom line, it frees you up to move forward and ideally, it helps permit and repair relationships to move forward. I don't know about you, but I believe that God is all about healing and healthy relationships. Relationships with God and with each other- this all that love thy neighbor stuff.
IDEA: call this a "Daily Affirmation" if you will, or a "Cognitive Therapeutic" exercise if you prefer- or a "spiritual discipline," but try it and see if it doesn't work. When you start to feel resentful toward someone, repeat to yourself ten times, "I forgive _____________ (put their name in the blank)." Or, if you don't feel quite ready yet, ask God, "God, please help me forgive _______________." Forgiveness is hard, like physical scars, emotional wounds have layers, but the more you practice this exercise, the more you'll change your own attitudes toward the person who grieved you.
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