FREE YOURSELF by

Rumonda D. Adams

There has been a time in some of our lives when we have faced some form of wrongdoing done to us by others. Whether it be a loved one, friend, or perhaps someone we don’t even know. However, no one wants their feelings hurt or toyed with, but it happens. When someone hurts us, we may feel angry, disappointed, and some may even contemplate revenge. But we all know, and for those who don’t, vengeance is not ours (Romans 12:19-21, Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[a] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good).

There are many people walking around today, harboring negative feelings towards others because of what someone has done to them. I know this for a fact because I myself did this same thing to a loved one. I actually told the person that they were forgiven, and at that time I truly thought that I had totally forgiven them. Although saying “it’s okay” or “I forgive you” is the right thing to say/do, you have to mean it truly and wholeheartedly. I wasn’t nasty to the person, but my energy could have possibly sparked some negative vibes when they came around, depending on my mood. As time passed (months and months), I noticed myself becoming bitter and angry about the situation because they never tried to reconcile or fix it. I had to turn to the Lord in honesty and truth and tell Him that I was still angry. I then went to my family member and shared my feelings with them as well, and we were able to discuss the issue. I then felt free; getting that weight off my shoulders was relieving. I knew I had to express my feelings because my mind would not let me escape them.

If most people would be more honest and have empathy for others, they might do what is right by apologizing and asking for forgiveness. Unfortunately, many people don’t and won’t. You have to free yourself from the bondage they will leave you in if you do not forgive them for their faults towards you. No one is exempt; we must forgive others as our Lord has forgiven us (Matthew 6:14, For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you).

There are many benefits to reap from forgiving: less stress, mental stability, healthier relationships, blessings, freedom, helping you heal, and living a better life, to name a few. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself and is necessary. Forgiveness is not a one-sided scenario here. We all have feelings and most of the time we are very aware if we’ve also caused someone else harm from our acts of possible selfishness. Now, if you’ve done wrong to others, this also applies to you. You must apologize and fix the situation as best you can. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12, So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets).

Don’t be left in bondage, I’m Just Saying (IJS)!

PEACE AND BLESSINGS!