To Forgive

for·give   /fərˈgɪv/ Show Spelled [fer-giv] Show IPA verb, -gave, -giv·en, -giv·ing.


–verb (used with object)

1. to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
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Have you ever walked around with a heavy object on your back?  The way that it weighs you down...the pressure it puts on your whole body...the pain, the struggle, and the intense effort it takes just to take a few steps?
 
And then you set the object down for a few minutes.  You can stand up straight...stretching those sore muscles.  You take a few steps and you can move freely...without the burden of the object weighing you down.  Doesn't it feel so much better to put the weight down and to walk upright?  Yet we as humans continue to pick up the heavy object and put it back on because we forget we have a choice.  We carry it around...hurting...not going very far.  The destination seems almost impossible because you can only take little steps...all the while in pain.
 
Why would we as humans choose to carry a burden? 
Put the Burden Down.
 
Stand up...and walk freely. 
 
How in the world do we do that?  Hmmmmm...the burdens we carry are usually placed there by choices we make.  Choices not to forgive.  And then we carry the weight of an unfortunate situation around with us.  The weight causes us to crumble.  To be upset...and even ugly to those around us.  The burden seems almost too great to carry...yet we keep it there.
 
Sometimes people make mistakes.  Okay...let me rephrase that.  Everyone makes mistakes...daily.  We all make bad choices.  Some have bigger effects than others, but they are choices none the less.  And God is VERY specific with what we are to do in these cases.
 
Forgive.
 
What about when someone hurts us or our loved ones? 
Forgive.
What about if someone breaks one of the BIG 10?  I mean...the rules on the tablet?  The 10 Commandments?
Forgive.
What if they are still continuing to make poor choices and are just not very good people?
Forgive.
 
WHY?  Why would I forgive someone that has hurt me?  Why would I forgive someone that has taken something away from me?  Why would I forgive someone who is happy at the cost of my happiness?  Why...Why...WHY?
 
Because.
 
Not a very good answer I realize, but Because.  Because God tells us to.  Because Forgiveness is the key to Heaven.  Because everyone deserves another chance.  Because Jesus carried the Cross so we wouldn't have to carry the burden ourselves.  That cross was heavy.  He carried it anyway.  And He says...

Bring your burdens to me and lay them at the foot of the cross so that you may stand up straight and be a light into the world.  You cannot light the path of another if you are all hunched over carrying this burden.  Give it to me...stand up...free yourself from the pain and show people my love.

If you are struggling with something that someone has done...Let It Go.  Give the burden to God.  Re think the way you are handling yourself and focus on your relationship with Him...and only Him.  If it is about God...the burden will be easily lifted.
 
Matthew 6:14
 
14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
 
Have a Blessed Day!
Amy