UNTYING THE ROPE

One Christian organisation’s mission is to explain the healing nature of forgiveness. One of their videos shows a person who has been hurt strapped back to back with a rope to the person who hurt them. Only the person who has been wronged can untie the rope. No matter what they do, the person has got someone on their back. Without forgiveness—without untying the rope—they cannot escape.

Forgiving other people isn’t about ‘letting them off the hook’ or saying what they have done doesn’t matter. It is about releasing ourselves from the bitterness and hatred of the situation. When we don’t forgive, our grudges just hold us closer to those people in our minds, making us more and more angry with them.

In Genesis, we see two brothers separated for twenty years after Jacob stole from Esau. After this long time, God told Jacob to return to his homeland (GENESIS 31:3). He obeyed, but nervously, sending gifts ahead to Esau (32:13-15). When the brothers met, Jacob bowed at Esau’s feet seven times in humility (33:3). Imagine his surprise when Esau ran and embraced him, both of them enjoying the release of their forgiveness and reconciliation (V.4). No longer were they held by their hatred and bitterness.

Do you feel imprisoned by unforgiveness? Are there grudges constantly in your mind when you think of or spend time with certain people? Know that God, through His Son and Spirit, can release you when you forgive with His help. He will give you the strength to begin untying any ropes of bitterness.

To pray about . . .

Dear God, You want us to live with our families and friends in peace, but so often we mess things up and hurt each other. Help us to love others with the forgiveness You have given.