Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
We had a wonderful day yesterday here at the Church. Many people showed up for the spring cleaning of the Church. Many hands make light work. We were able to accomplish so much because we had so many hands to help out. Engi did a wonderful job of planning and coordinating everyone’s efforts. It was a beautiful thing to see. Plus, I think everyone had a great time and bonding took place between believers. This is the time of the year for many who will do spring cleaning around their houses. We will clean closets we haven’t cleaned since this time last year. Many of us will get rid of a lot of unwanted junk that has accumulated over the past year. It’s also time to spring clean our spirit, especially to pull the weeds of unforgiveness!
I’m often amazed at the kind of garbage we choose to willingly drag around with us in the form of grudges, painful memories and other types of mental and spiritual debris from the past that we refuse to release. We won’t forgive the ex-spouse who treated us shabbily. We refuse to let go of the slights and unfairness of a situation at work, church or some other group we’re a part of. We continue to beat ourselves up for past mistakes.
The costs of our unwillingness to let go are huge. Why let someone from your past continue to hurt you and potentially rob you of your present and your future? Remember, that which you hold onto (your hurt, resentment, grudge, unforgiveness, pain) is actually holding onto you, keeping you stuck. Look at it from a health standpoint, it has been proven that unforgiveness causes ulcers, heart problems, eating disorders and all other kinds of health issues. Almost every physical ailment has the potential of being rooted in an unforgiving spirit.
Ask yourself some questions: How am I benefiting by holding onto the past? (Remember there’s always a “pay-off” to your behavior.) How would I benefit by letting go of the experience and practicing forgiveness? Who is really paying for my unwillingness to forgive? What is the lesson for me here? If we are willing to pull the weeds of unforgiveness, we will be amazed at what God will do in all areas of our lives, especially in our relationship with Him and with others!
Consumed by the call,
Pastor Marty