Aches and pains in your joints, frequent migraines, over-eating, fear, anxiety, and depression often have a common underlying cause. Unforgiveness. The study of the effects of unforgiveness on a person's health and well being is a well researched field in clinical psychology. Over 1, 200 published studies have been conducted on the subject of forgiveness/unforgiveness. Science now confirms what the Bible has always taught. Ephesians 4:32 says, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."
There are many reasons for human beings to exhibit these character traits; not the least of which is for the sake of physical health. An unforgiving heart eats away at your subconscious mind and causes stress. This stress is often manifested by resentment, hostility, bitterness, and anger. And because there is usually little or no contact with the offending party, these feelings fester. You feel the results in aches, pains, anxieties, and fears. Your family and friends get a taste through your behavior toward them; often driving them further and further away from you. The resulting loneliness turns into addictions and diseases of all sorts.
Additionally, mental health and emotional stability are greatly impacted by a person's capacity to forgive. Your thoughts may be consumed by the person who wronged you or you are doing everything in your power to eliminate that person from your thoughts. Either way, the person whom you won't forgive, is affecting your freedom, your actions, your decisions, your very life. You refuse to go to a certain place, because "they" will be there. You turn opposite direction because you seen "them." You reject invitations to social events. You shop across town. All the time you are building up more and more anger, more and more resentment, and more and more rage.
In a recent article written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, she states, "Withholding forgiveness can lead to bitterness, rage, and hostility; which in turn can lead to physical ailments such as high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and heart disease." DeMoss authored the book "Choosing Forgiveness" which specifies strategies for putting God's grace and mercy into practice by forgiving others.
Forgiveness is not very easy to do when you have never put forth the effort. But, here's a tip. First think of all the people who have hurt you (one at a time). As you think of each incident, say a short prayer to God. "Lord, I give this situation to you. The load is too heavy for me. In Jesus' name, Amen." Go through each and every situation of unforgiveness. It may take some people days or weeks to release everything. Just keep doing it. Every time you think about one of these situations again, say the same prayer again. Over time, you will begin to leave each problem with the Lord. This exercise may sound very simplistic to some people (and it is). But, I know that it works. And you will know it too, when you decide in your heart to forgive.
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