Forgiveness is a Gift!

Imagine the feelings of anger rising up just because you scrolled through Facebook. Consider how quickly your smile left your face as you quickly ran through Instagram. Think about the discomfort you experienced when you caught a glimpse of that familiar face or heard the familiar voice.

We may not be comfortable admitting it, but many of us have a trigger. Everyone’s trigger is different. There’s a trigger that reminds of us a hurtful past. A reminder of the brokenness in our lives. A broken relationship. A failed dream. A lost job. An overlooked promotion. A bad decision. A bout of unfaithfulness. An avoidable accident. A backstabbing. An inappropriate touch. A series of negative words.

     What’s your trigger?

What has happened to you that evokes negative feelings within you? Who has harmed you or hurt you? Have you made a personal decision that you regret? Do you carry shame and guilt?

Whatever those things are, it’s time to let go!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” December is a season of miracles. It’s a season of joy. A season of peace.

December is also a season of giving. It’s a time when we shower ourselves and others with gifts. This Christmas, offer the gift of forgiveness.

By definition, “forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, [and] lets go of negative emotions, such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well.”

·         It’s intentional. You have to want to do it. It’s purposeful.

·         It’s voluntary. No one has to ask for it. It’s freely given. There is no expectation of reciprocation.

·         It invokes change. It’s transformational. It shifts darkness to light.

You know what this sounds like to me? You guessed right! A gift!

Yes, forgiveness is a gift J

You have the power to give this gift. It’s a beautiful gift for you and for your offender. It’s a chance for you to break chains and get out of bondage. It’s an opportunity for you to walk in emotional freedom. Restore your strength. Live again. Love harder.

Consider it!

Forgiving Others, Forgiving Me helped me to realize this gift of the season.

If you are looking for ways to dig deeper and to identify the people and situations in your life that are holding you back from walking in your purpose, I invite you to participate in the 5-Day “Underneath the Mask” Challenge. ReGroup4Change LLC is hosting this FREE challenge beginning Monday, January 2, 2017.

Click here to sign up today!