Forgiveness...The Economy Of The Heart

Matthew 6:15 says, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses".  The Greek Lexicon says that a trespass is "a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness".  As it says in Romans 3:23, we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  But, if we can not learn to forgive those who have hurt, betrayed or deceived us...then we can not be forgiven. 

I also like what Hannah More (the late English Religious Writer): "Forgiveness is the economy of the heart.…forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits."  Colossians 3:8 says to put off anger.  Anger and patience cannot dwell in the same place.  Patience is to endure without complaining.  That may be difficult to do at times, but in the end it is worth it.  Proverbs 10:12 says that hatred stirs up strife, but love coves all sins.  I think I would much rather be covered in love than to stir up strife(disunity, conflict or friction).  To waste something is to use up carelessly, destroy or weaken.  When we do not forgive we allow anger and hatred to use up, weaken and destroy what the spirit of God is trying to do in our lives.  It depletes our spiritual energy and our spiritual defenses are weakened.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, "love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love does not boast, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily angered. thinks no evil".  When we strive to have a godly, brotherly love in our hearts, it will be easier to forgive.  Forgiveness is a choice.  And, when we chose not to forgive, and we harbor those feelings of hurt, betrayal and deceit...the anger and hatred that builds up can destroy us spiritually and then eventually physically and emotionally.  The stress that this all causes on you can effect you is so many ways.  You may think it is not effecting you at all...but even medial research shows that short and long term stress can cause health issues.

So, think about...is there unforgiveness hidden in your heart?  Is there something that happened in the past that still irks you to the point that you avoid the person that caused the pain?  Allow love to cover you and help you to forgive.  You will feel much better...in every area of your life.  The economy of your heart will begin to prosper and yield great rewards!