GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF…SPRING!

 
“Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 AMP

Spring symbolizes FRESH growth, NEW opportunities, the START of new beginnings! 

Unfortunately, many women can get STUCK and miss the open door because of this one thing…

This one thing keeps you frozen…

This one thing blocks your creative flow…

This one thing can cause you to circle around your mountain another FUTILE time!

Today, I encourage you to position yourself for SPRING and…give yourself the Gift of Forgiveness.

When someone has wronged you, forgiveness may be the last thing on your mind. You’re convinced they deserve all the anger and hostility you can muster. However, forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. Does your anger harm the other person? In most cases, the other person just stays away.

Holding a grudge is like punching yourself in the face and expecting the other person to say, “Ouch.”

 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against any one, forgive him and let it drop leave it, let it go—in order that your Father Who is in Heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.” Mark 11:25, 26 AMPC

Forgiveness is the healthy and logical choice for several reasons:

1.  Living in the past steals your present and taints your future. A great future requires an attentive present. That’s not possible if you’re living in the past. Life is happening right now at this moment. Every moment spent in the past is lost forever. Reclaim your life by forgiving and moving on.
2. Failing to forgive creates misery. Creating and maintaining negative thoughts doesn’t feel good. Pleasant thoughts support a pleasant mood. By refusing to forgive the person that wronged you, you’re harming yourself.
3. You’ll be stronger. Forgiveness can be challenging! Staying angry is easy in a certain way. Show yourself just how strong you are. Take a deep breath and forgive. It becomes easier with time.

•  As an added bonus, the more forgiving you are, the more others are willing to forgive you!

4. The past cannot be changed, but your attitude can. What is the purpose of your anger? If you stay angry for the next ten years, what have you accomplished? Nothing you do today can change what happened yesterday. Change your attitude as quickly as possible and smile again.
5. They’ll be back sooner or later. Whether you forgive them or not, they’re sure to pop back into your life in the future. In most cases, they’ll act as if nothing ever happened. However, your resentment will make you feel bad all over again if you’re still holding a grudge.

•  The sooner you forgive, the sooner you can put the matter to bed.

6. All humans make mistakes. We’ve all done or said things we later regret. You can’t expect to be forgiven if you’re unwilling to forgive. Living a perfect life and making perfect choices isn’t possible. Mistakes happen.
7. Forgiveness may be the best form of revenge. If someone upset you, it’s possible it was intentional. While you might feel the need to strike back, forgiveness is the best policy. Show them you’re enjoying bigger and better things. Living a happy life is the best revenge!
8. Your health will improve. Happiness and peacefulness undoubtedly support good health and longevity. Live a long and wonderful life. Be forgiving. The Mayo Clinic states that forgiveness can lead to:

•  Healthier relationships
• Lower blood pressure
• Stronger immune system
• Improved heart health
• Higher self-esteem

9. Forgiveness is fast. Time may heal all wounds, but it can take a long time. Forgiveness is instantaneous. There’s no faster way to enhance your mood than the simple act of forgiveness. Forgiveness is fast, effective, and free. Take advantage of it.

Be good to yourself. The fact that you’re letting the other person off the hook is secondary. Forgiveness is necessary. Forgetting is optional, depending on the situation.

 “I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,” Phil 3:13 AMPC

Lack of forgiveness produces a “tormenting weight” of oppression within your soul. It prevents you from enjoying other relationships in life (family, friends, co-workers, etc.). Most importantly, you won’t enjoy your relationship with your Heavenly Father.

Your time on earth is precious. Each day we must choose to use our time wisely to maximize our remaining moments on earth. Or, we choose to waste it entrapped in the snare of unforgiveness.

Know that God fairly administers justice for injustices. Your relationships can also improve when you choose to do good to those who have offended you. Your kind ways can cause them to warm up and you will overcome evil.

Position yourself for Spring and its NEW opportunities!

 How?

•  Receive God’s GIFT of forgiveness upon your self
• Then extend that same forgiveness on those who’ve offended or disappointed you and...
• Get ready to embrace the NEW season with the GOOD plan God has in store for you!

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P.S. Ready for a FRESH start? Request a FREE copy of the 31 Day Reflections Devotional