Forgiveness is essential for good human relationships. You cannot give a hug with your arms folded.

Forgiveness of others also assures us of God's forgiveness of our own faults and failures. In Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV) Jesus said, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

The weight of unforgiveness greatly drags a person down. It is a tremendous load to carry in the race that we Christians are called to run.

When faced with the decision to forgive and forget, never make the excuse, "But no one knows what that person did to me!" That may be true, but the question is: do you know what unforgiveness will do to you?

What Really Matters is What Happens in Us Not to Us
Unforgiveness leads to great bitterness, which is a deadly misuse of the creative flow from above. Great amounts of mental energy and brainpower are used up in pondering over a negative situation and plotting how to "get even." This kind of thinking is totally unproductive.

People who make a habit of burning bridges will discover it is they who have been left isolated and alone. They will deal with neutrals and enemies the rest of their lives.

That's why we should build bridges, not burn them. Vengeance is a poor traveling companion. Every Christian is called to a ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18). Getting even always causes imbalance and unhappiness in a life.

As I have worked with churches throughout America, in every stagnating situation I have found areas of unforgiveness. And conversely, I have found that, generally speaking, churches that are growing don't talk about past problems.

Never underestimate the power of forgiveness to loose and free you to accomplish your goals and fulfill your calling. It is the one power you have over a person who slanders or criticizes you. The farther you walk in forgiveness, the greater the distance you put between yourself and the negative situation.

Forgiveness gives you a spring in your spiritual walk and a second wind in the race of life.

Source: An Enemy Called Average by John Mason.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing