We often hear that we should forgive others. However, Lewis Smedes offers that forgiveness is not just for the the person receiving forgiveness. He reminds us that, "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you."
When we hold a grudge, we damage ourselves by focusing on the wrong things. Instead of allowing ourselves to be pulled down by worry over past wrongs, we need to move forward with freedom and a fresh start. God has given us this fresh start through forgiveness and redemption offered by Jesus Christ. We, in turn, need to allow ourselves to be freed by forgiving others. We can be set free by both accepting forgiveness and forgiving others so we can experience a deeper relationship with God!
Be forgiven and forgive so you can experience the full freedom offered by God!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the forgiveness that You have given me. Help me to in turn forgive others. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.