FORGIVENESS = FREEDOM

 

Dear Reader, 

I recently had a situation that has lasted for a bit over a year. This situation was and is very near and dear to me, as it showed me how the power of forgiveness can truly set someone (yourself & others) free.  

My wife and I were waiting for over a year, for the end results from a service that we paid for. Unfortunately, we have yet to receive what we are due. Now here is the kicker, one of the persons that were working on the project, fell into shame and guilt. Due to the shame this person carried, it caused a disconnect and a huge amount of fear. 

Fear overtook this person ( I will call him Attamus). Attamus finally contacted us and we spoke for over an hour. I could hear his burden in his voice. At the moment of me saying, "I forgive you" his burden was lifted not only off his shoulders but my wife's and I. 

This situation made me think about all the times we carry unforgiveness, and our Father in heaven, so lovingly says "I forgive you" when we come to Him and ask for it. However, sometimes even though we get the forgiveness we still feel a weight. I believe this is due to the fact that we have yet to forgive ourselves. 

Forgiveness is the key to freedom. You see when I chose to forgive Attamus and I felt the weight lifting off his shoulders. that same weight lifted off mine. OK sure I have yet to receive the final product but I didn't lose a friend, which was on the brink of happening, had I not chosen to forgive. 

I said something to him that actually hit me hard as well. "You see, a 1 year and 1/2 burden was lifted in 30 minutes, imagine what would have happened had you called me sooner and was honest with me" 

30 minutes to resolve a conflict...When we are filled with shame and guilt, and we bring our burdens to God, He will do the same and maybe a lot faster than 30 minutes. 

What are you holding onto that has weighed you down for a few weeks, months, or even years? What is it that you can't forgive? Is it worth the energy to carry this? 

Food for thought: 
bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.  (emphasis me) 
Colossians 3:13

   Osbert Maldonado