By Stacy Lattisaw Jackson

We all have a past and for some, our pasts have been difficult. Many times we look back at our lives and wish how we could change them. I met a woman who had been molested many years ago by a close family member. She said it was difficult for her to not only see this person, but to forgive him.

We all know that saying “Let go and let God,” however, in a situation as this, forgiveness can seem impossible, but it is possible with God’s help. We were all born with a sinful nature. It takes the grace of God to not only change our hearts, but our minds as well. We must pray diligently for God to take away the pain and give us the grace to enable us to forgive. Forgiveness is important not so much for the person who caused you pain, but for yourself and your well being.

Doctors have said that un-forgiveness can cause sickness and disease. I heard a story about a man who held unforgiveness in his heart for years towards someone who hurt him. He told his pastor that he had become sick because he held on to it for so long and wished he hadn’t. When we’re unable to forgive, it steals our joy and hardens our heart. Unforgiveness affects our relationships because we are not free to love the way God intended us to love. God wants us to live a life free from bondage, but if you never acknowledge the unforgiveness then you will be defeated.

The Bible says in John 10:10 that the thief cometh but for to steal and to kill and to destroy. If we learn to pray and give our hurts, disappointments, and unforgiveness to God, He’ll not only release the pain but he’ll also give us compassion for others who have also been hurt. People who have suffered the most are some of the most compassionate people. There are three very important things we must do in order to be free from unforgiveness. First we must acknowledge the unforgiveness, then we must ask God to help us to forgive those who have hurt us. Forgiveness is a process but as you continue to pray, God will enable you to forgive.

Finally, we must release it to God. John 8:36 says, “He whom the son sets free is free indeed.” Don’t let unforgiveness steal your joy because if you have no joy, you have no strength. If you have no strength, then you will not be effective for God’s use. So if there is unforgiveness in your heart, release it to God today and begin to walk in liberty. You will no longer be the victim, but the victor!