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As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature's cycles are mirrored in our lives. Autumn is a time for letting go and releasing things that have been a burden. Fall is the right time to practice getting out of the way and letting the Holy Spirit take charge of our lives. Perhaps the greatest burden we need allow to drop from the tree that is our life is unforgiveness. We make excuses like:
Do I really have to forgive...? Can't I just hang onto the offense a little longer? I was wronged I'll have you know!
How often in my life have I hung onto a hurt for years? How many times did I burden some innocent soul with the rantings of my unforgiving attitude. I had been wronged, injured, or taken advantage of, and no quantity nor quality of understanding and sympathy would allay my displeasure.
You see, it's just not in our nature to forgive. Minor things sure, we can forgive those, maybe even forget them, but when we feel we've been sorely victimized, we just don't possess the love necessary to excuse, absolve, and pardon our trespassers. It is only by the love of Christ that we are endowed with the loving forgiveness commanded by Jesus.
Forgiveness does not mean you agree with or make excuse for what the other person did to you. It does not mean you can change what happened or erase what they did. What's done is done. Forgiveness is simply letting go of the right to get even. When you do that, you free yourself from the continuation of pain and anger.
These days, as the leaves fall, let all unforgiveness fall with them. It is the best gift you can give to yourself. It brings peace of mind, boosts your self-esteem, and makes your relationships with others a true source of blessing.
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