forgivness and freedom

One of my favorite authors and thinkers was a Catholic priest by the name of Henri Nouwen.  I read the following early this week from him:

To forgive another person from the heart is an act of liberation.  We set that person free from the negative bonds that exist between us.  We say, "I no longer hold your offense against you".  But there is more.  We also free ourselves from the burden of being the "offended one."  As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us, we carry them with us or, worse, pull them as a heavy load.  The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them.  Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves.  It is the way to the freedom of the children of God.

Forgiveness one of those things that often eludes us.  Sometimes the infraction is big enough that our minds race and it holds us captive.  At other times it could be a smaller matter that we bypass, but because it is not dealt with, the pain grows inside us.

The choice to forgive is ours.  The choice to receive forgiveness is also ours.  What will make the biggest difference is backing up, taking a look toward the future, and realize that this situation, whatever it may be, is bigger than us and much deeper than just now.  Bitterness like forgiveness infects and affects many people around us.

Ephesians 4:32  NLT

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

From forgiveness comes with I freedom or liberation from the chains that hold us back and keep us from experiencing the abundance that God wants to bless us with.

Forgive.  Give it.  Receive it.  Live in such a way that as many people are possible are drawn toward our gracious and forgiving God.