Let go of a burden
We’re in the midst of the Christmas season–a time when we celebrate love and joy. But sometimes, behind the scenes of happiness and celebration, we carry a load which drags us down. Perhaps it’s time to let go of a burden.
Let go of the burden of unforgiveness
When we carry a load of anger, frustration, and unforgiveness toward another person, it causes emotional and physical harm to us. Our quality of life is affected by the burden. Unforgiveness robs us of joy and the ability to enjoy our life to the fullest.
If we let go of the burden of unforgiveness, we are released from the prison of anger. But how do we do it?
How do we forgive past hurt?
- We first recognize that we can’t do it alone–ask our Lord for help.
- Pray for God to soften our hard heart.
- Recognize that our forgiveness does not require an apology from someone. God will provide the strength and courage for us to forgive, even without acknowledgement of wrongdoing from the one with whom we are angry.
- Don’t pick up the burden again. Sometimes we go through the process of trying to forgive, but we hoist up the burden for another round. Pray for God’s intervention to take away the urge to renew your anger.
- Sometimes the one we need to forgive is ourselves. Pray for God’s help.
In this season of love, when we share joy over the birth of our Savior, we recognize that Jesus came to earth with the express purpose of dying for our sins. We weren’t worthy of forgiveness, but He gave it anyway.
Love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
Is there someone you need to forgive?
I pray you will unload the burden of unforgiveness. Your hurting heart will ease. You’ll have more energy, less stress, and a better quality of life when you release the burden.
Wise words, Katherine.
Thank you, Diana. Praying God will continue to bless your journey.
Thank you . I know several in my family that are going thru some difficult times with each other right now.
Thank you for letting me know. I’m praying for you and your family. Wishing you hope, peace, joy, and love this Christmas.
Thank you for this encouragement. Forgiveness frees us rather than the offender. Merry Christmas and God bless!
Freedom…I agree, Nancy, forgiveness releases us from bondage. Jesus came to set the captive free and if we are unable to forgive, we are held captive by that anger and mistrust. We’re so blessed that our Savior will guide us on the pathway to forgiveness…to freedom. Merry Christmas!
Amen Ms. Katherine. Forgiveness is a command. Period.
You are right, Lisa, and unforgiveness is a sin. I’m grateful for God’s love, mercy, and guidance. Through the gift of His Son, our Savior, we always have a pathway to forgiveness. And if He can forgive a sinner like me, there’s no excuse for me not to grant forgiveness to others. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Merry Christmas to you sweet lady!
Thank you, my kind friend.
Great advice for us all, Katherine. Thank you!
Thank you for your encouragement, Kathy. Sometimes I need to keep learning a lesson until I get it right! I’m thankful for our Father’s patient guidance.
As the years go by, I realize more and more the true gifts are the relationships we have. What better time than Christmas to extend forgiveness. Love the post!
I agree, Terri. Our relationships are vital to our well-being. God created us to be social beings, but He also provided guidelines as to how we should love one another. Thanks so much for your kind encouragement.
So true. To forgive others and ourselves. Thank you!
Even though forgiveness may be one of the hardest challenges we face, it’s still imperative that we forgive. The best thing is–God helps us! Thank you, LuAnn. Blessings!
Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we gave been given and we are commanded to give that endowment to others. The best Christmas gift ever!
I agree, Barbara. Forgiveness is a gift that keeps on giving because burdens are lifted. Wishing you joy and blessings, my friend.
I’ve learned that while not forgetting is often an important part of learning, forgiveness is an essential part of living. It’s in the freeing ourselves of the burden of unforgiveness, whether the offender recognizes it or appreciates it, it allows us to begin living and growing in Christ again. Great post Ms. Katherine.
Forgiveness is hard–often one of the hardest things we must do in the step toward reconciliation. But the love Jesus showed us by taking our sins upon himself demonstrates how important it is for us to forgive others. We didn’t deserve His gift of love or His forgiveness, but He still gave it. If we love Him, we will show it by forgiving others. Jesus is our example. Thank you, J.D., for being such a wonderful role model.