The Burden of Forgiveness

“When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.” Luke 23: 33-34

One of the hardest things to do is to forgive. You would hope it would be easy but there are so many emotions wrapped up in the act of forgiveness. When we think about forgiving a person, it brings up all the things we need to forgive them for: pain, suffering, dishonesty, abuse… all the things that hurt. But what if I told you the one thing standing between you and Happiness is unforgiveness? When you carry around hurt feelings because of what someone else has done to you, the burden is solely on your back. YOU carry that weight, not them. I know it feels like we’re punishing them by not interacting with them, or giving them the time of day, but every piece of brainpower you give to thinking about how they wronged you is still time of day that you’re giving them.

So how do you let go? How do you find it in you to forgive? How do you exemplify the strength that Jesus showed when he forgave the people for crucifying him WHILE they were crucifying him? I’m not going to lie, I’m definitely not at Jesus level yet. That takes an immense amount of will power and love to forgive an egregious act while it’s happening. But what I can do for you is to affirm you on your forgiveness journey.

Affirmation 1: You are better than the act that hurt you. When someone wrong’s you, it doesn’t mean you deserved it nor does it mean you have to dwell in that place. Yes, it is very possible that something you did caused someone else to hurt you, but you have the ability to grow beyond that point and you should. So grow, and be better.

Affirmation 2: Forgiveness is the gift you give yourself and you deserve it. Forgive others to relieve yourself of the burden of hurt. Love yourself and let go of what is holding you back from your next blessing.

Affirmation 3: Forgiveness does not mean access. Just because you forgave them doesn’t mean you have to subject yourself to that person anymore. If the relationship is over, allow it to be and move on. And that goes for family members and life long friends as well. If their presence doesn’t serve you, relieve yourself of it.

I hope this entry brings you peace today, and frees you from whatever burden you have unnecessarily saddled yourself with. Forgive and begin your journey back to true happiness. I love you and as always, I’m rooting for you. Keep conquering daily.