Unforgiveness

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31,32 (NIV) As a young man I remember feeling angry that I was even created. I was angry for even being alive on this dark, sadistic planet. How could my parents do this to me, bringing me into this terrible place? Really, my anger was a form of unforgiveness, and I hid it and held onto it for a very long time. It was only when I realized that God created me for a purpose, and that He loves me, that I could pursue this relationship with Him with all my heart. Forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ must happen in the hearts and minds of all people. I once heard: “Unforgiveness is like a poison you drink hoping that the person you can’t forgive dies from it.” This “poison” is destroying families, relationships, and communities. Unforgiveness separates; it does not reconcile. But God orchestrated reconciliation through Christ! Our sin separated us from God. He wants us back. Only through forgiveness of sin through Christ can we be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (NIV). Unforgiveness breeds bitterness, rage, and anger. When it is at its peak, the heart becomes hard. People who demand forgiveness from others are walking into a well which will never quench their thirst. Only through Christ can forgiveness be given. Christ gives peace and rest to those who call on Him. They are released from the burden of unforgiveness. People cannot do this. Only Christ can! “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing fi rm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” Galatians 5:1 (NIV). — Peter Constant   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org