Forgiveness is such a powerful force.  My wife and I will be married 20 years this August.  Because of a mistake that was made very early in our marriage, most of those years were strained.  Each of us harbored unforgiveness towards the other that blocked the flow of love and intimacy. 

Sure we were Christians but all that meant was that we knew how to keep up the facade.  Deep down we were 2 hurting people that became skilled at hurting the other in a vain attempt to protect ourselves.

My being self-employed the last 4 years brought many of these issues to the surface.  With the safety net of an executive salary stripped away and our finances dwindling, the deep seated resentment and bitterness easily found their way to the surface of our relationship.  Many harsh words were exchanged.

However, through counseling and the support of good friends, we both came to an understanding of the power of forgiveness.  We learned that a heart full of unforgiveness was like a clenched fist.  The fist is a powerful force while it’s closed.  It serves as a great defensive weapon.  Unfortunately because the fingers are balled up, the fist is unable to receive anything.  Likewise the heart of unforgiveness protects itself from hurt while it also blocks out any love that comes its way.

We both determined to work through our issues of unforgiveness.  I am happy to say that we both agree that we’ve gotten over the hump.  All the old wounds and hurts have been buried.  We have released each other and now the love is flowing freely.

Watch the video: Hero Thought – Forgiveness