Learn to Forgive (2)

KEY TEXT: Hebrews 12:14-15 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”  

BACKGROUND AND THOUGHTS ON THE TEXT 

 Wrongdoing is not a valid reason for you to stop regarding another as a person of worth. The Lord’s prayer reads, “And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Unforgiveness, produces bitterness which is a root of sin and sickness. It not only defiles; it also destroys. According to medical experts, ulcers, high blood pressure, mental problems and other physiological challenges, all result mostly from the bitterness of the soul.  

An experiment was conducted some time ago on the health effects of stress and negative emotions using cats and dogs as subjects. In the study which lasted for about a month, each time the cats were about to eat, the dogs were released on them. The atmosphere would become tense and a fight would begin. The dogs will then be removed and the cats would continue their meal. It was discovered at the end of the test that all the erstwhile healthy cats had developed serious ulcers, not as a result of what they ate or didn’t eat, but because anger had taken root in them.   

APPLICATION: God does not intend for us to have justification for anger, bitterness, malice and revenge. We must have integrity, authenticity and freedom in relationships. The Bible teaches that it is more blessed to give than to receive. More so, when you give forgiveness, you get blessed. Forgiveness brings closure to an offence and destroys its ability to hold you in bondage.  

PRAYER: Father, help me to pursue peace with all men. 

ACTION POINT: Let go of any negative emotion. 

DAILY BIBLE READING: Psalms 111-118