Do you ever get that feeling of irritation around someone. You know that feeling where you just want to scream…possibly at them? I do! And if I find it happening too often with the same person…it’s time for me to re – evaluate my own heart.
If you are finding yourself growing unusually restless and irritated with someone.. Or maybe over reacting to simple things that might not otherwise bother you ..you could possibly have some unforgiveness in your heart toward them..
This could be a child, a spouse, a co-worker, a relative, a neighbor ANYONE..and it could be a small irritation. But those small irritations if gone unchecked can turn into a hardened heart! Little things have a way of becoming big things.
Or you may have some real deep anger and hurts that you just don’t seem to get rid of and you can’t stand to think of forgiving. Unfortunately this will definitely cause you to have a hardened heart and will effect ALL areas of your life.
Well here are 10 reasons to Forgive:
- It keeps us from bitterness..which will turn us into a very unpleasant person to be around and can even make us physically ill. Bitterness punishes you more than the person you are bitter toward.
- It brings you freedom – don’t be a prisoner of unforgiveness
- It brings the offender freedom – even if you don’t want them to have freedom
- It makes room for Love – have you ever tried to love people with unforgiveness in your heart..can’t do it.
- It gives us joy
- It gives us self control – forgiveness is a choice
- It heals you – physically, emotionally and most of all spiritually
- It shows that you are a safe person when others make mistakes and you can choose to forgive
- It restores relationships – even when you don’t care
- Because God has forgiven us and sent His Son to pay the ultimate price
It takes work to forgive, but it is well worth it. It’s hard to be all that God has created you to be if you have a hardened heart 
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and Compassionate to one another,
Forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God Forgave you”
Is there someone you need to forgive today? I do..
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Forgiving is so important. I am under the belief that you should never go to bed upset. Thanks for the wonderful post.
melissa recently posted..Zane’s First Birthday Bash GIVEAWAY #3: Tiny Tillia Baby/Kids Products!
Yes it is Melissa. It is best not to let the sun go down on your anger or unforgiveness..I must admit though..I have done this more than once
Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
Agreed!
Kristen Jeffery recently posted..Ear Infections
Thanks Kristen..have a great day! Blessings!
I have forgiven everyone who has wronged me, but had to cut ties with some of them. Remember, always forgive, but if you cannot trust them any longer, you don’t have to put yourself, your soul, in jeopardy again.
Danielle @ Royalegacy recently posted..Theatrical Thursday – 10 Things Parents Should Know About Disney’s John Carter
Good for you Danielle. I totally agree with you! Just because we have forgiven does not mean that we must hang around unhealthy behavior or be abused. Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
Blessings!
I love this post! You are so right about forgiveness and what it can do for you.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Theme Party Ideas: Star Wars
Thanks JDaniel4′s Mom! Nice of you to stop by! Blessings!
You are so right – forgiveness is very freeing!
Heather recently posted..Thirsty For Comments Thursday
Hi Heather! VERY freeing! Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
Awesome, yes, its hard, but we are commanded to do it.
Candi recently posted..Tea Time: Pomegranite Blueberry Tea
Most definately Candi! Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
I have a hard time with this one! Often I let the bitterness build without even knowing it! Have to catch myself!
Julie M. recently posted..What I am entering to Win Today
Hi Julie..that is so easy to do. It’s alot of work to deal with forgiveness and sometimes it’s just easier for me to move on with what I’m doing..but then boom out of know where there it is and I have to deal with it anyway..:( Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
Ugh. I so needed this article today. I have one family member that can be difficult, and I lose my patience. Yes, this was a great post and one that inspired me.
DM Donna Yates recently posted..Poetry Refined
Ohh Donna I can so relate and probably many others can too
I glad that you were inspired 
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings to you!
You know I have to admit, I will forgive, but I won’t forget. I heard a term last night from a silly show I watch (Real Housewives of the OC..yeah yea..I know cheesy) and someone said,” A leopard never loses his spots”. When people have done horrible things to me, forgiving them was the best way to actually find “closure”, but it also made me more cautious about them in the future (hence..the leopard quote). True forgiveness is completely letting everything go and for some it takes more “time” to make that connection. Great post!
Sonia recently posted..Blogger Spotlight: Lisa Buben, Inspire To Thrive.com
I sooo get what you mean Sonia! It is hard to forget..especially when it’s a very deep hurt. It’s really unrealistic for us to have those expectations on ourselves AND on others if we have been wrong
The ultimate goal is that forgetting..but..it takes time and I think that’s just ok 
I agree about being cautious..that’s a good thing sometimes. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings!
Thank you so much for this post. I’m currently working on forgiving my Mother for the way she treated and still treats me and my siblings. It’s hard but I can see how it benefits everyone, not just me
Anna Smith recently posted..Friday Film Fanatic
Hi Anna, I had a Mom that was not very nice also. It was really hard because there is such a natural struggle to want love from our Mother and yet so shocking when we don’t receive it in a healthy way
It is hard to forgive. I’m sorry and I will pray for you. I know that God will give you victory if you will continue to seek Him about this.
Blessings to you!
Amen. yes, it is worth it to forgive. Sometimes, a little easier said than done, but worth it for sure!
I am still learning Blogfrog so it will take me a minute to get the hang of it!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Tonya recently posted..Rest…
Yes it is Tonya! BlogFrog is such a fun place to get to know other bloggers! Everyone is really nice! See you around and thank you for stopping by!
Blessings!
Yes. I have a few close to me I need to forgive.
Thank you for a great list of reasons to do that, NOW.
OneMommy recently posted..Crafting over at Laugh With Us
Trust me OneMommy I know what you mean :/ I’m glad my little list helped
Have a great weekend!
I struggle with forgiving one person and it really hurts me because how can I have love and bitterness in my heart at the same time.
Marie recently posted..Are You a Christian or a Bully?
I’m sorry Marie..sometimes forgiving can be so hard. I have had to pray sometimes that God would just change my heart and confessed that I just can’t do it. He has always been faithful to change me..even if sometimes it’s not in my timing and not the way I want the situation to be. I will pray for you. You are a Godly woman and I know you will have victory over this
Have a great weekend my friend!
Blessings to you!
There had been a time that I found it hard to forgive someone very close to me. It was such a heavy feeling, like you have a rock inside your heart, making it hard, without me knowing. I was so glad when I let go of that feeling and chose forgiveness instead. The forgetting part may then came after word. Still, It was a blessing because now I realized, I had done the right thing.
sarah recently posted..A Red Filled Life
Awww Good for you Sarah. It is hard to forgive, but what freedom we have when we do..as you discovered. I think forgetting is very hard..but as you say in time, it will no longer bother us so much. Thanks for stopping by! Blessings to you!
I have a few people I need to forgive. For me, as much as for them. I think its a healing process. Thank you for your wonderful post Shari!!
Awww thanks Debbie..I will pray that you will be able to forgive with God’s help..forgiving can be hard
But so freeing 
Thanks so much for stopping by! Blessings!
Awesome truth!
Lisa recently posted..Redefining Beauty: Plan An Event
Thanks Lisa! Blessings!
#10 is the clincher! To think that He never sinned against anyone and still paid the ultimate price how can I who have sinned so much not forgive!
Laughwithusblog recently posted..Is it always my kid?
#10 definately sums it up doesn’t Esther! God is amazing! Thanks for stopping by
Blessings
Beautiful Shari. i really enjoyed reading your post. blessings to you.
Michelle recently posted..Recycling
Thanks Michelle! Blessings!