Last week I was doing some work with my friend. He was taking me through something that he called ‘a completion exercise’. We had talked about it prior and the great benefits of being able to release and let go a part of your life that no longer served you.It also turned into a fun exercise as there were questions that were asked to illicit positive responses.
We went through the exercise and as we were almost at the point of wrapping up, something hit me hard. I had been holding onto resentment, anger and unforgiveness towards someone who probably didn’t even realize the negative impact they had on me. Instead, I was the one walking around with these feelings. If you know me well, you also know that I don’t really hold on to stuff like that. I usually let go and move on – but this was something that had affected me so deeply and I hadn’t even realized it.
The irony of the timing of this, is that my devotion just that morning had talked about forgiving people who had hurt you deeply. I didn’t consider that I hadn’t forgiven anyone, so I prayed for the person who popped into mind and moved on.
Later in the morning as I had to make my declaration, I realized it was time to fully let go. Let go of the thing that no longer served me. And as I talked it through, I realized I had so much to thank this person for because based on that experience, I had now chosen a life that serves me well and is far better than I could have even fathomed.
The verses that were a part of the devotion are:
Colossians 3:13, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (NLT)
James 5:16, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (NLT)
Is there someone who when you think of them you become so angry for what they have done to you? I know the feeling well. That morning, my heart was convicted and I realized it was time to let go so that I can move into the fullness of joy for what God has in store for me.
Dear Heavenly Father, giving forgiveness is hard. Help us to realize that it’s only because you have chosen to forgive us why we are able to forgive. Please help us to learn these lessons and to release our hurts to you.
