Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It is also the principal season that tends to uncover some of our deepest emotions. As we ponder our present circumstances and reflect on the past, memories are triggered-many of which are painful!

It can be tempting to relive those negative events and become stuck in anger and unforgiveness, which are detrimental to your health and overall well-being.

Unforgiveness always stems from deep hurt. It could be one incident or a build-up throughout the years. These events can be quite traumatic and can cause a lot of confusion and pain.

However, the worst thing you can do is to go through life never forgiving the offender.

The implications of unforgiveness are all negative. Bitterness, chronic anger, and an inability to navigate healthy emotional responses in relationships to name a few. Unforgiveness can lead to heart disease as well as other ailments.

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.”

The only one who benefits from unforgiveness is the enemy of your soul. On the other hand, the best and only solution to live a full life is to forgive!

Colossians 3:13 “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Forgiveness is one of the best gifts to give yourself this Christmas. Forgiveness releases you from the burden of carrying the weight of what they said or did to you. It is only when you forgive that you can be relieved of that burden.

According to the dictionary, when you forgive, you stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.

Forgiveness is about healing your heart and righting a wrong, powerfully and uniquely. It is a gift that God has given each of us to release ourselves from a wrong done to us by releasing the other person.

Remember that whenever the Father asks us to do something, especially those difficult things, it is always for our betterment.

Forgiving an offender cuts the umbilical cord that connects you to the event and the other party involved! Choose to do the difficult thing and forgive!

If you want to ensure a joyous and peaceful Christmas season, release him, her, or them from your heart and be merry!

Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2025!

Nayanda