Why forgiving is so important

When we harbor anger and unforgiveness it is like putting a chain around our own necks. The one that we are angry with actually controls us. It interjects into our thoughts and affects our actions. Sometimes they use that intentionally as manipulation and control, but it is only effective if we allow it and hold onto it.

Many times the other person does not even know (or possibly remember) what they did to make us angry. So when we hang onto that it is affecting us but not the person we have the bitterness towards. 

That is why forgiving is so important. It is not so much for the other person, but it is to free ourselves. Why would we choose to keep ourselves in bondage to something that scripture tells us to let go of. God gave us the ultimate example of forgiveness when He sent His own son to die for our sins. It even says that He did this "while we were still His enemy". WOW. Think about that. Not just while we were sinners, not just while we rejected Him, but scripture says "while we were still His enemy". 

If He could forgive us with an eternal forgiveness can we not forgive in this temporal state that we live in? He forgave us for ever, can we not forgive for today? 
Love you all. Have a blessed day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Shared with permission of author: Quint Burks - https://www.nvministries.org/)