The Importance of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is so important. We all need to learn to forgive. Not just because we are called to spirituality, but because the effects of unforgiveness effect our physical and mental health. Unforgiveness will also create problems with those around us. 

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15 ESV)

It's obvious how unforgiveness affects our walk with our Heavenly Father. But other scripture point to other issues:

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; (Hebrews 12:14, 15 ESV)

Where does bitterness come from? It comes from unforgiveness, it comes from holding on to the offenses others have perpetrated against you or others. Unforgiveness feeds anger and anger becomes bitterness. Are you bitter toward any one? You need to forgive. 

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131

What are the benefits of forgiving someone?

Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:

-- Healthier relationships

-- Greater spiritual and psychological well-being

-- Less anxiety, stress and hostility

-- Lower blood pressure

-- Fewer symptoms of depression

-- Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse

Less anxiety, lower blood pressure...emotional and physical problems made better through forgiveness.

Who do you need to forgive today?

Community

Community is so important. It's been an important part of my life the last couple of years. The last few months has strained my connection to community and I can feel and see the consequences in my life. The last few months I have found myself isolating more and more. I have gone to church less frequently, my small group has taken a break, I have communicated with close friends less and less. Through it all I find my connection to The Lord less constant and that I have moments of clarity and then moments of confusion.

I share this not to point out what is happening in my life, but to highlight the importance of community in our life. Our community provides more than we know. It gives us a level of support and encouragement. It puts us around other like minded people. It provides for us a place where we learn to apply what we learn from Jesus. We learn how to truly love, forgive, show grace and give mercy. 

We are called to community. We are wired for community. Jesus uses community for his sanctifying work in our lives. It's through community that we grow closer to Him. 

I feel that God brought me to this dry place in community to remind me how important it is. To bring my focus back to something that has been so important to me. Something I'm called to share with others. 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24, 25 ESV)

Habits

Have you ever noticed how habit forming we humans are? Just today for example, I put my cell phone and keys in the opposite pockets that I normally do...it drove me crazy...I felt out of sorts, just not right. As soon as I realized it, I switched them and felt better.

I wonder what others habits I have that are so automatic...that I would only notice them when I just happen to not follow the habit? There are probably many. Given habits can be either good or bad, it really got me thinking. 

What other habits do I have? What habits do I have that hinder or get in the way with my relationship with God? What habits do I have that help or enhance my relationship with God?

I know regardless of what habits I have, both good or bad that I am loved by God, that I am His. Nothing will change that. But, because of His love for me...I want to do better, I want to stop the bad and increase the good...not because it changes His love for me...but because I want to honor Him in all I do...

Temenos at Home

Our goal for our Warrior at Heart Ministry men's camp is to create what we call a "temenos" environment. Temenos is a greek word and we define it as a safe place, a sanctuary. It's a place where warriors can take off their armor without fear of retribution or attack. In our culture it's a place were we can let our walls down, where we can be open and transparent without fear of backlash. A place that could be described with words like open, non-judgmental, transparent, honest, caring, grace and mercy.

What has really been on my mind lately is how do we bring temenos to the rest of our lives? More specifically how do we bring temenos to our homes?

What would a "Temenos Home" look or feel like? It would be a place where your wife can share anything. Where children aren't afraid of talking to mom and dad about anything. Where love, grace and mercy reign. A home that can be described with the same words used above.

How do we create that at home? I think it starts by living it ourselves. It starts by us changing how we react, change how we communicate with our family. It won't be easy. Odds are it's not going to feel safe for you, let alone the rest of the family. But the longer you can stay in the temenos zone, the more those around you are going to want to hang out there with you.