Practicing the sin of unforgiveness not only hurts our relationship with others and with God, it’s detrimental to us spiritually. Because when we choose to hide unforgiveness in our heart, we’re also making the choice to invite anger, resentment, bitterness, and hate to reside within.

The best way to protect our heart from the havoc unforgiveness assuredly will wreak is to make the choice right away to forgive—before we give the offense too much thought (and emotion).

Remember that whatever we focus on and magnify becomes bigger and stronger. So the sooner we choose to forgive, the better (and easier)!

The habit of choosing to forgive right away, rather than allowing yourself to dwell on the offense, is a practice in obedience to God and also guards our hearts from the threat of bitterness and hate. 

By Renee Davis