Let it Go!

Forgiving others isn’t easy. In fact, it is tough.  I have had many people hurt my family and me. I’m sure you have, too. Betrayals. Gossip. Slander. Lies. Mean actions.

I’m a wife, mom, and grandma, and if you hurt my husband, kids, or grandkids, I want to come after you. I’m just being honest. Those mama bear claws come out—and believe me, they can be vicious. I may smile and try to act like a Hallmark movie star, but I’ve got some evil Wonder Woman energy when it comes to my people.

I may act like it doesn’t bother me, but it does. It hurts when people don’t like me or say unkind things about me or those I love. I can definitely hold it against someone and give them the cold shoulder—and the uncomfortable piercing eyes.

But the longer I hold on to bitterness and dislike, the more it affects me. They couldn’t care less; they’re off living their lives, probably sleeping just fine. Meanwhile, I’m over here hosting imaginary arguments on my pillow at 3 AM. Those negative thoughts don’t hurt them—they eat me up like an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Now, if you never deal with this stuff, you are blessed. But someday you will.

Many people close to me have hurt me through the years. I knew that I needed to forgive and move on, but it was tough to let it go. For some reason, they would say they were sorry before I forgave them. But that’s not what God does to us. He forgives.

I memorized Ephesians 4:32 to help me with this process. It says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” I underlined that last phrase because that’s what has helped me forgive family members, church leaders, women who interfered with my marriage, and my spouse. God was telling me to forgive them just like He forgives me.

Having that verse “hidden in my heart” has allowed me to forgive when someone doesn’t deserve forgiveness. It has lifted the burden of hurt, anger, revenge, or bitterness from my soul.

I never knew how strong I was until I forgave people who were never sorry.

There is such strength and joy in forgiveness. Instead of anger and bitterness permeating our hearts and minds, we get comfort and peace from Christ. Now, that’s a good deal! I often sing the Disney song, “Let it go, let it go…” to bring some joy to the process.

I encourage you to forgive the person whom you have been harboring bad feelings about. Forgive them just like God forgives you.