This is the week America celebrates Thanksgiving. Some, however, have little to be thankful for. Past events have robbed them of a grateful heart. Something happened in the past, removing the joy of family getting together.
Wrong is wrong. Defamation can spread like a fire and burn in every part of a person. Specific hurts may turn into anger. The inner rage, if unchecked, becomes a tree of resentment, causing its limbs to bend with its heavy fruit. The bending extremities are visible to spectators, but are accepted by the tree. Those who partake of its enticing fruit soon experience the same result—hatred.
After eating and enjoying several pieces of this bountiful fruit changes one’s taste buds. Now, the flavor is ever so tempting. But, the new flavor becomes increasingly enjoyable, even trying to recruit others to feel the immenseness of our hatred.
One’s inner hatred all began over a wrong that happened, but the festering irritation became personal. The failure of the offended person to stop and ask for forgiveness was his downfall. The heartache of a previous event has opened the door to a room of grief and despair.
There is a remedy—forgiveness—the forgiveness of the original wrong. When we forgive, there is no more burden. The heart doesn’t ache, the knees receive strength, the back straightens, and the load is gone, allowing the forgiver a Christlike spirit.
Jesus took all our sin burdens away and removed them. Our emancipated bodies stood tall. New found freedom made life enjoyable.
A daily dose of forgiveness will keep our backs erect and our legs strong. The only bending of our knees is our time in prayer. The relief of bitterness allows believers to enjoy Thanksgiving.
