Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Growing up, I struggled a lot with forgiving my dad. It took me over 25 years to get to the point where I could forgive him. Once I forgave, my eyes were opened to how much I hurt myself holding on to my past. It was destroying me much more than it was hurting him.

Studies show that unforgiveness can affect your health, anger, bitterness, sleep, levels of anxiety, depression and stress.

By surrendering what happened to God and forgiving the offender, it can free you from those affects.

Sometimes we feel down but have no idea why. One reason might be because we are holding on to bitterness that God wants us to give to Him.

By forgiving someone, often times we feel that we are letting them off the hook. But the real person we are letting off the hook by forgiving, is ourselves.

Lord, I pray that you will help me realize that you want the best for my life. Help me learn to forgive those who have hurt me and truly give it to you. Thank you that when I do that you free me from the bondage that unforgiveness brings.