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The fact that our Heavenly Father will only forgive us as long as we forgive others is a great beneficial motivator (Holy Bible NKJV, Matthew 6:14). Jesus tells us that if we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven. Forgiveness for the other person's benefit is only part of the reason, but there's something in it for us as well.
When we refuse to forgive another person, or even ourselves, we are harboring a resentment. Sometimes these resentments are a result of anger, sometimes fear and frequently both. Anger and fear result in stress. Stress can cause headaches, upset stomaches, heartburn, inability to concentrate, and a multitude of potentially serious diseases. It is well known that stress has physical repurcussions. It also causes tension between family and friends and also affects our performance at work. There are an enormous amount of issues that cause us a great deal of distress and disharmony within ourselves, all because we hold on to our need to be right. This anguish rarely affects the so called recipient of our anger and fear.

Justifiable anger is a number one enemy to our well-being and it is the death of a true spiritual connection with God. Matter of fact, no anger is truly justified. If we must dwell in it for a moment, so be it. But we must immediately be rid of it lest our minds be immersed in a daily hell. This anger of ours does not phase the person it targets, in most cases. We are the only one we torture. What is justifiable is our right to live a happy, jouyous and free life.
Forgiveness isn't always easy but it is a must. One suggestion in any case is to pray for the person we hold a resentment against. Pray blessings in their life even if it hurts to say it. If this is done, day after day, sometimes several times a day, eventually the anger or fear will go away and forgiveness is possible. Ask God for His help to forgive and He will surely be there. It is His will that we find this forgiveness in our heart.
Sometimes people comment that they will forgive but will never forget. This is not true forgiveness from the heart because it allows for the resentment to remain. Contrary to the belief of many, to forgive and forget can be accomplished. As a child I was molested and raped. Indeed a life crushing event. I did what I suggested in this article and I was freed from anger, fear and resentment, 100%. It NEVER occurs to me unless I am using it to help someone else, which I believe God wants me to do. When we reach this point we find spiritual freedom, a light heart, a lack of stress and imporvement of physical ailments. Total forgiveness produces a true happiness and, if pursued, a spiritual connection with God that knows no boundaries. This is why God insists that we forgive. Failure to do so keeps us away from Him and His perfect will for us. All GOd ever wants is for us to be happy, free and full of joy. Those are the benefits of forgiveness.

Learn more about this author, Robin Shane.
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