The Gift of Forgiveness

I have been stuck for years going around and around the same issues.  My hands are clenched and my heart is closed as I steel myself against the constant pain.  Prayers for grace and mercy are lifted up, but still I feel nothing. 

Ephesians 4:31-32  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.

Ugh!  Read it again and let's take a closer look.  When someone wrongs me I am bitter and angry. I call every friend that will answer the phone and share the entire story bit by bit trying to make the person that dared to cross me look as bad as possible.  I wallow in the hard feelings and marinate in the madness.  My soul cries for healing and peace, and yet I continue to feed it nothing but retribution and revenge.  Let's see what God says about revenge.

Romans 12:19-20 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written:  "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.  On the contrary:  "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. "

Clearly God wants us to leave the judgment to him, and we are advised that the kindness we display might "heap burning coals" and result in the person repenting from any wrongdoing.  I want to be forgiven so I must forgive others.  But what do I do when I don't FEEL like I can't push away the hurt and forget what has occurred in my life? Recently, a wise woman shared a powerful prayer with me.

You can put the name of any individual in the place of YOU....or even start praying to let yourself off the hook for the past.  Repeat this every morning and evening and prepare for the miracles.

I forgive you completely and freely.
I release you and let you go.
So far as I am concerned,
The incidents that happened
between us are finished forever.
I wish the best for you.
I wish for you your highest good
And I hold you in the light.
I am free and  you are free
and all again is well between us.
Peace be with you.

Will you accept the gift of forgiveness today?