There was a teacher who gave her students an assignment unlike any other. She said, “Anyone who you remember has wronged you, go home and write their names on a tomato and bring the tomatoes back tomorrow in a bag.” The students all came back with tomatoes. Some with just one or two names, others had a bag full. She then told them to keep the bag with them wherever they go this week. Day one was pretty fun, but by day three the bags began to feel heavy all the time. By day five, everyone was tired of hauling these dumb bags around and the tomatoes had become squashed and were beginning to rot and smell. The students begged to be able to get rid of the tomatoes and so the teacher said “When you don’t forgive, you carry with you each day an extra burden…unforgiveness. And like those tomatoes are now, there is a rot that stays with you. But you can release those tomatoes any time you want and get rid of the burden and the rot. Just let go of them. And in the same way, when you forgive someone who has hurt you, you release those people and the burden of injury, embarrassment or injustice. You can release them at any time you choose, but only you can release them. Forgiveness allows you to be free from the hold that anger and resentment and hurt have over you. When you forgive, you release them…and the result is that they no longer have any hold over you. How do you do it? Remember that God has forgiven you…you and I owe him. God has made us different when we came to Christ. So, we are commanded to find the strength to do this in God himself. Is it easy? Hardly ever. But when you do it, you can finally release them and let God bring healing to your heart and your memories. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Colossians 3:12-13 NLT Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (13) Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Remember, I’m praying for you today….
PJ
Colossians 3:12-13 NLT Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (13) Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Remember, I’m praying for you today….
PJ