The Landmine of Unforgiveness

This one hits home as a good reminder to live by even though it is hard sometimes. It is from Charles Stanley's, The Life Principles Bible.

September 12, 2008
The Landmine of Unforgiveness
Ephesians 4:26-32

What is your first response when someone hurts you? Maybe you want to retaliate. Or perhaps your outward attitude doesn't change, but inside you are quietly nursing a dark bitterness and resentment. These reactions strike us as understandable and perfectly natural, don't they?
In reality, however, unforgiveness is one of the most destructive behaviors possible. Impacting every prayer, every relationship, and practically every thought you have, it is a land mine with the potential to completely destroy your life.
Scripture is clear that we are to openly and willingly forgive anyone who causes us harm. Why? The reason is that we ourselves have been forgiven. The grace that God pours out on each of us should be our motivation and example. If we have received God's loving pardon, then we simply must do the same for others, even when it seems difficult or unfair.
What is forgiveness? Simply put, it is the act of giving up resentment toward someone, along with the desire to retaliate. In other words, we must surrender three things: the general feeling of resentment, the specific feelings toward a particular individual, and all claims to retribution.
Forgiveness is far more than a simple "I forgive you" statement. It involves a total change of action and an attitude that declares, "Though you wronged me, I love and forgive you. I wish you the best and will help you however I can." Can you make this statement after being hurt? Pray for those who wrong you, and release your resentment.


FEATURED RESOURCE
The Life Principles Bible - This Bible combines the wisdom of Scripture with the principles that guide Dr. Stanley's life and empower his ministry.



The New American Standard Bible on Crosswalk.com
http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?new=1&word=eph+4:26-32&version=nas
Ephesians 4:26 - 32
4:26
BE R256 ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
4:27
and do not give R257 the devil an F74 opportunity.
4:28
He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he R258 must labor, performing R259 with his own hands what is good, so R260 that he will have something to share with one F75 who has need.
4:29
Let no unwholesome R261 F76 word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification R262 according F77 to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
4:30
Do R263 not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by F78 whom you were sealed R264 for the day of redemption.
4:31
Let R265 all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put R266 away from you, along with all malice. R267
4:32
Be R268 kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just R269 as God in Christ also has forgiven you. F79