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The Purpose For Forgiving and Forgetting– Part 3:
“As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us” Psalm 103:12 (NKJV).
a. However, carrying the weight of these burdens can result in a life of resentment and bitterness. Simply put, our lives get trapped in the past. And as a result, many become depressed or anxious. Unforgiveness will keep us holding onto memories and things that God wants us to use for a life lesson to grow us spiritually. Oftentimes, we think we’ve let go of things, but in actuality, we stuffed them deep down inside and forget they were there, until a thought, a memory or we see the person again. It’s amazing how fast the enemy will swoop in and remind us of the hurt and pain. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence" Ephesians 1:7–8 (NKJV).
b. All believers must be willing to take the path to removing this internal weight is to experience the life-freeing power of forgiveness. Learning to forgive others releases burden and brings freedom back to our heart. It results in less stress, less hostility, lower blood pressure, and reduced symptoms of depression. It provides the opportunity to live a simplified life on the outside and the inside. Yes, there will be times when forgiving or the thought of forgiving can be excruciating. Because the scenario of what was done to us or a loved one continues to replay in our minds over and over, preventing us from truly walking in forgiveness that will allow us to move forward from the past hurt or pain. Forgiveness is one of the most powerful responses that we could ever have, yet the steps in forgiving others may be difficult. Forgiving others is very hard. The love of Christ is the only way we can set free those who have deeply wounded us. The love of Christ gives us the only context we have for believing God has forgiven us. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” Colossians 3:12–13 (NKJV).
c. Don't forget that you are not alone, many carry in hearts that are a heavy burden of past hurts from others. Because we live our lives in relationship with other people, we are bound to be wronged by somebody along the way. And sometimes these hurts can be very deep and heavy when they come from someone close. Yet, the Bible states that God does not remember our wickedness. But God is still all-knowing. God remembers that we have “sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. There is perhaps no greater gift you can offer God than a heart that knows the power of forgiveness and decides to set others free. Forgiving shows that the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus are operating in our lives. It is time to access this life-changing grace of forgiveness. But, having been forgiven, we are positionally (or judicially) justified. Heaven is ours, as if our sin had never occurred. If we belong to Him through faith in Christ, God does not condemn us for our sins. In that sense God “forgives”. "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” Hebrews 8:12 NKJV).
d. Because the scenario of what was done to us or a loved one continues to replay in our minds over and over, preventing us from truly walking in forgiveness that will allow us to move forward from the past hurt or pain. If you are harboring resentment towards another human being because of past hurts, choose to forgive and move on. The harm was their fault. But allowing it to weigh down your life today is yours. Apply God’s forgiveness. Trust and reconcile when possible, but realize that forgiveness does not always mean we have to relate to the person in the future. In some cases, this is not possible. Know God’s protection and justice. We are God’s called-out people, who know who we are in Christ and walk in love with God and one another. We become partakers of His resurrected life. Forgiveness is essential if we want to walk in personal and corporate revival. Free yourself today by taking the steps to experience the benefits of forgiveness in your life. “Then he adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin” Hebrews 10:17–18 (NKJV).
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