Nonna’s kNOWledge
Forgive NOW B Y C A R O LY N J O Y
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he definition of the word forgive is to stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake. The definition of forgiveness takes it one step further: to make a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve or accept your forgiveness. As a Momma and Nonna of a large family, I sure do know how easy it is to hurt or offend, say or do something wrong, or legitimately sin against someone. Even the best of us are sinful people with flaws and offenses who make mistakes.
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As the Bible says in Hebrews 12:15 (ESV), See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. To understand forgiveness, let’s first examine what unforgiveness looks like. Unforgiveness is when you are unwilling or unable to forgive someone for hurting you, betraying you, breaking your trust, or causing you intense emotional pain. Unforgiveness creates an emotional storm of distress in which feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, insecurity, and fear surface. Unforgiveness also creates a hardened
