Forgive

¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.-Colossians 3:13

What would you give for a pill that did all this:

•  Lowers blood pressure
• Lowers heart rate
• lowers stress
• reduces hostility
• lessens symptoms of depression
• lessens symptoms of anxiety
• helps manage anger
• lowers risk of alcohol and substance abuse
• reduces chronic pain
• improves psychological well-being
• leads to greater spiritual well-being
• leads to more friendships and healthier relationships

Sounds like a miracle drug, doesn't it?  But guess what... it's free!  Studies have been done that show all this can be yours if you practice forgiveness.

Time and time again we withhold forgiveness because "they don't deserve it."  But don't YOU deserve it?  Don't you deserve all the wonderful healing properties that come with letting go of the resentment and bitterness you carry around?  It has been said so many times, "Forgiveness benefits the forgiver much more than the one who is forgiven."  

Martin Luther King once said, "We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive."  Interesting.  Forgiveness is something we must learn to do and then practice regularly.  Once learned, all the benefits are ours.  it begins with one small step... the decision to forgive.  There is no better New Year's resolution.  Learn to forgive and be healthier and happier this year!

Father,

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Amen.

Joys:  Time to get Christmas packed away today; a little time with Kevin; the days beginning to get a little longer