Bury The Hatchet Pt. 2

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” - Ephesians 4:31-32
 
Yesterday we talked about victims of one of the worst genocides ever and how they were able to stand next to the perpetuator for a picture. These were images that represented the forgiveness the victims had shown to those who had done them or their families wrong in extremely cruel ways. If these individuals were able to forgive rapists, torturers, and murders, then you have to have the ability to forgive those who have done you wrong.
 
I know what you might be thinking, “But you don’t know my situation….” While this is true, God has still given you the same capacity to forgive as the people in the images from this exhibit. What often gets lost when considering forgiveness is what it can do for YOU. Sure, it is great to forgive others so they can feel forgiven. But it is equally important for you to forgive, so that you can feel the weight of what you have been carrying for so long lifted off your shoulders.  
 
God never intended for you to carry the burden you are still carrying. In fact, He sent Jesus to die for you so that He could take that burden for you and from you. He wants you to give Him all of your concerns, including the hurt and pain you have, because He has peace waiting for you. If there is something that immediately comes to mind when you read this, it is time to give it to God. He doesn’t want you to carry the pain any longer. Forgive those who have wronged you, bury the hatchet, and allow Him to give you the newness of life that you have access to as a believer in Him.