"Ball And Chain"

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."  Matthew 6:14,15

I read something yesterday that said-- Forgiveness will not change the past, but it will enlarge the future. 

Just because you forgive someone doesn't mean it will change the past.  What happened, happened.  It can't be changed.  It can't be undone.  But on the other hand, holding on to unforgiveness won't change the past either.  Some people hold on to unforgiveness and bitterness toward someone for something that they did.  Do they think that by not forgiving it will change what happened, or make it better, or make it go away?  Nothing can change the past.  But your forgiveness or unforgiveness will change and affect your present and future.

How will forgiveness "enlarge" your future?  For one, you will have freedom to move on.  You will have freedom to accomplish your life's mission.  You will have freedom to pursue life.  Holding on to unforgiveness is like carrying around a "ball and chain"-- it is there reminding you and stopping you from progressing any further in life.  It entangles you.  It oppresses you with its weight.  It slows you down.  It hinders you.

Forgiveness and unforgiveness are choices.  You have to choose to forgive, but if you don't you are automatically choosing unforgiveness. 

Do you want freedom in your life?  Do you want peace?  Joy?  Do you want abundant life?  Do you want to fulfill your destiny?  Do you want your life to have purpose?  Do you want to fulfill God's plan and mission for your life?  Unforgiveness will stop that from happening.  But forgiveness will make it possible. 

Have a great day.  Unforgiveness will weigh you down.  Forgiveness will free you.