I was angry at being wounded. I was so angry at the wounds—I wanted nothing to do with them. But here’s the catch: I had to learn—unforgiveness—made me a part of them. An unforgiving heart—left the room for the wounds to have their way with me. By unforgiveness—the evil rules. It leaves behind an infection. It contaminates everything it touches.

By unforgiveness—the enemy comes like a thief in the night. Stealing peace. Stealing joy. Stealing character. But—it doesn’t have end here. What is stolen—can be retrieved. With repentance—they can be reclaimed. I had to repent and receive the Lord’s forgiveness. And I made a choice to forgive.

Forgiveness—releases our offenses to God. Forgiveness—brings us under the defense of God. Forgiveness doesn’t need an apology from our offender. It simply needs our choosing it. It needs our participation. Choosing wisely–we give our offenses to God.

When we make the choice to forgive—God is for us. God supports us. And when God is for you, who can be against you? No one can. Nothing can. Forgiveness—destroys the power of evil and brings forward the power of God.

When we release our offenses to God—we make room in our hearts. We’re free to love. With a bitter heart—it’s evil for evil: but, with love—we rule over evil—instead of evil ruling over us. Love—blocks contamination and keeps us pure. Living in purity—we live in God’s power.

Love always wins.

Choosing to forgive—my transformation had begun.

I learned: forgiveness is necessary for freedom. When we choose not to forgive, we're left stuck in a wounded place. It’s a prison of one’s own making. It’s only when we forgive that we can be forgiven. That brings relief. Forgiveness brings peace with the Lord. It’s an unspeakable peace to the heart, the mind and the spirit. Forgiveness is a gift to others and to ourselves. 

I remember that prison, but—I know release. Hand in hand, "trusting Him is the way to peace. Where His hands belong—my hands had released. He walked me down the path of love, forgiveness and hope. He walked me from the past into my future—today. By His hand—where things seemed impossible—victory is known.”–Hand In Hand

I remember opening up that gift. Hand in hand, "there's a refreshing. His grace—gave the gift of repentance I had chosen to open. Wrapped in His love—I stand anew: from where I once was no longer contains me—I know recovery. From the palm of His hand—my roots grow.” –Hand In Hand