When we have been wronged, it is difficult to let go of the pain. People can be cruel and unthinking, doing and saying things that leave us feeling hurt and angry. it is easier to keep the pain inside, instead of letting it go. In times likethese, I rely on the strong shoulders of Jesus to get me through.

Carrying a grudge doesn't affect the person that has committed the wrong,in fact, most of the time they aren't even aware that we are harboring anger and resentment. This unforgiving spirit comes to rest inside us, and the longer we keep it, the harder it is to let it go. Anger stays with us, until we find the courage to push it away. We may never completely forget the wrongs that have been done against us, but through forgiveness, we will be stronger. Holding on to anger is like an albatross around our neck; forgiveness cuts it free.

Even after the anger has subsided and turned to hurt, it is still hard to find the willingness to let it go. No one has ever known more about forgiveness than Jesus. His love was strong enough to forgive this sinful world. His love for others was one of His greatest attributes. Jesus looked at the world through the eyes of love. Some of His last words on the Cross were words of forgiveness. Jesus knew that to walk closely with God, we had to learn how to forgive.

Luke 23:34a, Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

An unforgiving spirit lingers and slowly places a roadblock between God and us. It isn't always easy, but it is a necessary part of our daily walk with God. After all, if He can forgive our sins, then we have to be able to forgive others. Learning to forgive cleanses the heart and refreshes the spirit. A forgiving spirit breaks down the barrier between us and God, once again, giving us peace.

Matthew 6:14&15, For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if ye forgive not their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses.

Often the actions of others cause us many sleepless nights and sends our emotions on a roller coaster ride. When we experience these situations, it is best to take these burdens and leave them at the foot of the Throne. If we harbor feelings of anger, or bitterness, they will build a barrier between us and our Heavenly Father.

It takes a strong person to forgive the actions of others. Some wrongs are easier to forgive than others, but God didn't say that we could forgive some wrongs and hold on to the really hurtful ones. God said that we must forgive others. Pray for the courage to forgive. To be able to cleanse ourselves of these burdens is truly a gift. God cannot forgive our sins until we learn the  healing power associated with forgiveness.

Colossians 3:13, Forebearing one another, and forgiving one another; if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so do ye.

 Lord Jesus, as I whisper Your name, take my pain away. Jesus, teach me how to forgive. . . teach me as I pray.