Most of us get offended by someone else every day. We might get cut off and traffic, someone may use harsh language with us, a boss may deny us a deserved promotion or a spouse might cheat on us. Any offense creates a debt of "you owe me". You may owe me an explanation, some money or an apology. And if we don't get what we deserve, we become angry. Unresolved anger can lead to bitterness and resentment making anger one of the most dangerous enemies of the heart. Anger is dangerous because it not only breaks the relationship between me and the offender, but that bitterness can also seep into relationships with others and our relationship with God. The Bible directs us to fight anger with forgiveness. At first glance, we may think forgiveness is for the person who offended us, but forgiveness is for the forgiver. It frees us and might also free the offender. But, it might not. And that's ok. We have done what we can do. "Forgive and forget" is a phrase we hear a lot. It's not likely that a serious offense will be forgotten - probably ever. But it is possible to forgive. Forgiving is not a feeling. We may not feel like doing it. But, we can choose to forgive, just as our Father in Heaven forgives us undeservedly.
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