Forgiveness can help you advance from being a victim to a victor. How so? As we interact with people we are subject to the whims, emotions and actions of others. People are always saying things and doing things that hurt us one way or another. Once we believe we’ve been harmed or injured in any way, have been taken advantage of or suffered in any way, we have placed ourselves in the position of a victim.
As a victim, we typically believe some type of retribution needs to be extended our way. Whether it be expecting the other person to apologize, ask forgiveness or compensate us in some way, we typically expect some kind of response. Do we have that right, though? How does it make you feel waiting for a response?
RELEVANCE
Some people don’t wait for any response, retribution or reconciliation. They look to get back or get even in some way or another. Doing so you take matters into your own hands. In either case, whether you are waiting for a response or planning retribution, you have adopted a victim mentality. You think somebody owes you something.
As long as you do, however, you are grieving God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit. As a result, your conscience holds you in bondage; whether you know it or not. As you await vindication, you play the victim, keeping you from walking victoriously.
This is because unforgiveness restrains you. It acts as a splinter of offense fracturing your inner being. It puts a cloud over your head. In reality, it numbs the conscience.
Some would say it puts you in a kind of funk. The bottom line is it keeps you from being your best; seeing with clarity and thinking with sharpness. It acts as resistance towards advancing forward, living as an overcomer.
That’s why Jesus encouraged people to forgive quickly and walk in forgiveness. As long as you walk with unforgiveness, you are walking in judgment, condemning the other person. What happens is that judgment and condemnation comes right back to you until you release it by forgiving.
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Who might you be holding in judgment or unforgiveness?
How much more free and at peace do you think you would be if you released that judgment and condemnation?
REFERENCES
Matthew 18:31-35