“Forgiveness is the gift that ensures my freedom from a prison of bitterness and resentment.”

A thought by Andy Stanley (2009-08-22) in his book, It Came from Within!: The Shocking Truth of What Lurks in the Heart (p. 144). Multnomah Books. Kindle Edition.

Well it is getting close. We will be opening our gifts on Christmas Eve and watching our family in Colorado open their gifts by Skype on Christmas night. This is the season of giving gifts and receiving gifts.

Now this gift of forgiveness is not one we think about giving at this time of the year but if we do it has so much more far reaching benefit than most of the gifts we receive and give. This is truly the gift of freedom. It is both a freedom to the giver and also to the receiver. Forgiveness frees us from so much pain.

But here is the key. Forgiveness is not a gift you give because you feel like it. Most of the time the act you’re forgiving doesn’t deserve your forgiveness but you chose to give it because Christ forgave you also undeservedly. It is a gift you give by choice because of what He did for you.

But you might say, I haven’t been forgiven by Him. So the question then is, “have you asked Him to forgive you?” He said He would if you would ask Him. Then when you have been forgiven you are then able to forgive someone else. They don’t deserve it and you didn’t either but you chose to forgive because you have been forgiven.

That is what this season is all about. It truly is a celebration of giving. So why not chose to give the gift of forgiveness to one who doesn’t deserve it? When you do you will receive for yourself freedom from the prison of bitterness and resentment. By giving someone forgiveness you are giving yourself freedom.

So why don’t you give it today?

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