Forgive

By William Pelrine Jr.

One of the main reasons for mental illness is a lack of forgiveness on the part of the sick mind.

 As a Christian, I have found, I had to forgive others, for my mental health.

 When Christ was on the cross he prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23: 34)

The Holy Bible tells us the first great commandment is “Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Mt. 22: 37)

The second great commandment is to, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt. 22: 39)

 We need to have forgiveness for our sins.

 I found from my own personal experience that to get the mercy I needed to heal, I must show mercy toward those that have sinned against me.

 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Mt. 5: 7)

 If we let go of any unforgiveness we have against our neighbor it would indeed be a freeing experience.

 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8; 32)

 I have discovered from much scriptural study and soul searching that we must forgive one another.  Know that, and you are on the road to freedom from mental torment.

 You may discover a great deal of relief from forgiving someone. Unforgiveness is excess baggage we carry around that clutters our minds.

 I had to get down on my knees and ask God to forgive me for my trespasses as I forgave those who trespassed against me.

 When I was alone in my room, I made a list of those that sinned against me and what they did against me.  I forgave each and every one of them out loud.  I stated out loud what I forgave them for, one by one until I verbally forgave anyone who sinned against me.

 A great lesson is to be learned if we look at the example set by great men such as former president Ronald Reagan.  Less than 48 hours after being shot by John Hinkley, president Ronald Reagan said, “I know that my healing depends on forgiving him.  He’s a misguided young man.” (Taken from “Time Magazine”, April 17, 2000).

 If we follow in the footsteps of great men such as Christ and Ronald Reagan, and forgive, perhaps we will be able to carry on our lives in a way that would befit our calling to be children of God.

 How much time have we lost agonizing over the sins of others against us?  All we need to do is forgive them and the agony might cease. If I can do it, maybe you could do it too.

 Forgive. (Inspired by The Bondage Breaker and Victory Over The Darkness by Dr. Neil Anderson which may be found at Insight Bookstore on Broadway Street, Schenectady)

 May the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4: 7)