For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their sins, you Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:14-15, NIV (1978)

One of the hardest things that we are called upon to do is to forgive others when they have wronged us. There is something about we humans that just seems to linger over the insults and injuries that others have inflicted upon us. We have all seen close friendships ruined through the carrying of a grudge, whether it be by both or just one of the former friends. How many of us have had countless nights of interrupted sleep because we cannot stop thinking of the hurt that someone has caused us? How many times do we notice actual enmities form because someone cannot just let go of the sin a good friend committed against them.

Just look at what we have when we fail to forgive one another. We have our productivity reduced because our minds are continually going back to what someone has done. We have poor sleep because we cannot turn our minds away from the hurt someone has caused us. We have our joy diminished, because we keep giving into our anger of the failings of others. We turn into an enemy those who had previously been among our most cherished friends and allies, and the love we once cherished becomes a hatred that steals the joy from our lives.

And this lack of forgiveness becomes a cancer that will eventually become fatal because it will destroy our very souls. This is what Christ pointed out so clearly in the Sermon on he Mount when He told us that God will forgive us only if we forgive those who have sinned against us. This is why we are to pray for God to help us forgive others as He has forgiven us. It is a daily need for us to let go of the wrongs and sins and betrayals of others. This would be impossible to do without His help, so by all means request that help that He is so willing to give.

Now, look what happens when we do forgive others. Our thoughts and efforts become more productive because they are not hindered by the poison of hateful thoughts. Our sleep comes to us more readily because our minds are now at peace. Friendships are restored to their former beauty because we are willing to let bygones be bygones. And our souls are at peace because that cancer of non-forgiveness no longer eats at our soul.

And now God is able to forgive us of all the evil things we have committed, if we will seek that forgiveness on His terms - one of the most important being our forgiveness of others. So you see, forgiveness is actually a precious gift. It allows us to live life to the fullest. So many people are living empty and subpar lives because they are holding on so tightly to their petty grievances, but we must not fall into this trap. It is true that some of the sins that people commit against us require physical penalties, and there are times when justice demands that these penalties be paid, but we still must find it in our hearts to forgive them. For without that forgiveness, there can be no healing.

Forgiveness is truly a balm for the soul! It releases us from the prisons we make in our minds that result from our inability to forgive. Forgiveness will give us peace, and it will return the joys that we may have thought gone forever. The fact is that forgiveness is not only a gift to those who have wronged us, but it is a great blessing for ourselves as well.

If you have been suffering from the ailments that will always arise when we hold onto our grudges, why not try this? Why not embrace the healing of the soul that is offered to all who would forgive  their brother, from the heart? It will change your life if you do. And, it will revive your very soul!