Poisoning Your Soul
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (Ephesians 4:31)
Nelson Mandela was once asked how he managed to manifest such graciousness towards South Africans once he assumed the presidency following 27 years in prison. He responded, “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”
Paul understood and taught this same principle when he instructed the Ephesians then and us now to let go of all bitterness, rage, and anger. I believe Paul shares this not just to remind us to always love others as Christ would, but also to remind us to love ourselves as Christ loves us.
In an article in the New York Times from February of 2018, the author writes that emotional stress has not only been linked to mental illness, but it also causes other physical issues like heart disease, intestinal problems, headaches, insomnia, and autoimmune disorders.
How many times have you had a bodily reaction when you see or speak to someone who has hurt you? The memory of the hurt or pain they caused imprisons you in such a way that the mere sight of them creates a physiological response.
All of the emotions and response in our nervous system affects our organs, and when our bodies are in a constant state of stress and distress, it can become like poison in our lives. While we’re stewing, we’re poising ourselves, meanwhile the other person goes on about their merry way.
This is why Paul is telling us to forgive and let go, because in doing so, we are refusing to let our own bitterness and anger poison our souls. So rather than thinking of forgiveness in terms of releasing the other person of what they did, think of it instead in terms of releasing yourself from the other person. Forgiveness is not about forgetting and going about our lives allowing people to hurt us again. Forgiveness is not about ignoring anger or sadness, but rather it’s about declaring that you will not let the toxic emotions created by someone else to poison your life.
Nelson Mandela was once asked how he managed to manifest such graciousness towards South Africans once he assumed the presidency following 27 years in prison. He responded, “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”
Paul understood and taught this same principle when he instructed the Ephesians then and us now to let go of all bitterness, rage, and anger. I believe Paul shares this not just to remind us to always love others as Christ would, but also to remind us to love ourselves as Christ loves us.
In an article in the New York Times from February of 2018, the author writes that emotional stress has not only been linked to mental illness, but it also causes other physical issues like heart disease, intestinal problems, headaches, insomnia, and autoimmune disorders.
How many times have you had a bodily reaction when you see or speak to someone who has hurt you? The memory of the hurt or pain they caused imprisons you in such a way that the mere sight of them creates a physiological response.
All of the emotions and response in our nervous system affects our organs, and when our bodies are in a constant state of stress and distress, it can become like poison in our lives. While we’re stewing, we’re poising ourselves, meanwhile the other person goes on about their merry way.
This is why Paul is telling us to forgive and let go, because in doing so, we are refusing to let our own bitterness and anger poison our souls. So rather than thinking of forgiveness in terms of releasing the other person of what they did, think of it instead in terms of releasing yourself from the other person. Forgiveness is not about forgetting and going about our lives allowing people to hurt us again. Forgiveness is not about ignoring anger or sadness, but rather it’s about declaring that you will not let the toxic emotions created by someone else to poison your life.
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