A Vital Freedom Not to Be Missed
Here in the USA, we are preparing to celebrate our Independence Day. There will be parades, concerts, cookouts, and fireworks in celebration of our nation’s freedom. But there is another even more vital freedom that we often miss because of something we refuse to let go.
Unforgiveness.
On an emotional level, our lack of forgiveness to those who have hurt us feels right. It feels justified. It sometimes feels like the only thing we have control over and the only thing that can’t be taken from us. We hold onto it with tight fisted hands as though this is somehow punishing them for the suffering they’ve caused.
But the only one suffering is us.
The word freedom in Psalm 146:7 implies being unbound and set loose. We are prisoners of our own making when we hold onto our unforgiveness.
The root of bitterness thrives in the fertile soil of unforgiveness, sending out tendrils of animosity and mercilessness that constrict our hearts. They twine around our thoughts, giving the enemy a foothold in every area of our spiritual lives. In the end, we think withholding our forgiveness is punishing others, but we are the only ones in prison.
God offers us the key to our prison door. We can step into His promise of freedom any time we choose.
Unforgiveness is inherent to our human nature. But in Christ, we’ve become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
A nation must fight a physical battle to gain their freedom from tyranny and oppression, but our freedom is a promised gift from God when we surrender our lives to Christ (Isaiah 61).
Jesus Christ can and does set prisoners free. When we let go of the unforgiveness we’ve clutched so tightly to our hearts, our hands are opened to receive the abundant life He has for us (John 10:10).
In His greatest pain and humiliation, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). He offers that same strength to us. Will we choose to let go of the unforgiveness imprisoning us and accept His offer of freedom?
Questions for Reflection:
1. Where in your heart are you harboring an unwillingness to forgive?
2. How is the enemy using this to impair your relationship with God?
3. How would your life be different if you forgave this person?
Jesus can help you make it a reality. Ask Him today.
