This week the local cinema released the movie ‘I can only imagine’. It had just become box hit no. 3 in the U.S. and I can see why.
Based on a true story about a son named Bart who was badly abused by his father and abandoned by his mother, it showed the terrible impact of rejection and harsh words from those who should have loved him the most.
Although it was very confronting to watch, the ending was beautiful, as the sons’ talent was discovered as a singer and songwriter, and eventually, the restoration of father & son’s relationship came. Through his pain and struggle, the song ‘I can only imagine was birthed.
As I watched this movie it reminded me that you don’t have to walk the earth too long to experience the pain of rejection from people. Whether that be in the place you work, your marriage, or through family & friends – people hurt!
And if we’re really honest, sometimes we hurt other people too with our attitudes, actions and behaviour.
But for some of us the hurt has turned to anger, and now bitterness is having a crippling affect upon your life.
Unfortunately bitterness doesn’t stop there, it tends to gather hurts. This leads to a distorted reality, drained energy and sabotaged health, at the very least.
So what should we do when we realize that bitterness has taken root in our heart?
As millions of people around the world celebrate Christ this Easter weekend, I am reminded that the Christian faith has the greatest message of all, the answer to our hurt hearts – and that is forgiveness!
This universal law has healed marriages, restored friendships and in this movie, healed what would seem to be a hopeless scenario.Likewise, forgiveness has the capacity to also set you free from your hurt and pain.
‘But they don’t deserve my forgiveness,’ you might say; and that’s probably true. What most people don’t realise, is that forgiveness is more about you, than the other person.
Yes, what they did may have been very wrong and they don’t deserve forgiveness.
But my question to you is this:
Do you deserve to carry that load of resentment around with you for the rest of your life?
Do you deserve to be tied to that person or event forever?
I think not!
When we forgive, we make the choice to set OURSELVES free, to let US out of the prison of bitterness.
It can seem like the hardest thing you’ve ever done! And you may need someone to walk you through, as you process the hurt, before you choose to let that go. Because your pain is valid, and the affect is real!But I am always amazed at the change that comes upon many of my clients as they let go and forgive. It can feel like a weight has just been lifted off their shoulders, their posture changes, suddenly the world doesn’t seem so dark.
It is a life changing event and the very beginning of a process that will have an extraordinary impact upon your life.
I’d like to encourage you to check out your heart this Easter, and have a real good look at what’s going on.
Embrace the spirit of forgiveness, and make the choices that you need to, to transform your life from victim to victor, and propel yourself towards a better future.
Have a great long weekend, and a happy Easter!
