Matthew 18:21,  "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

Think

"Unleashing unforgiveness is unnatural." Imagine a Doberman Pinscher that is leashed up to a park bench, positioned next to a busy intersection. Now, imagine that dog gets spooked. As he takes off, he has such momentum that he rips the park bench out of its supports, dragging it behind him and slamming it into mailboxes, cars, and even dangerously close to people on the sidewalk. You can just imagine the colossal collateral damage that would occur! As crazy as that scene is, it's something that happened in real life, and it happens in our own lives as well when we hold on to resentment, anger, and hurt. The damage we experience may not be that visible, but it is just as real because that is what happens emotionally, relationally, and spiritually when we refuse to forgive people who have hurt us. When we are hurt, it's natural to think, "I'm going to get that person back; I'm going to make them pay!" But what ends up happening is so much more damaging than we ever imagined. Are you leashed up to unforgiveness right now? Are you dragging around resentment and anger because of something from your past? God doesn't want you to live that way! Instead, He wants you to experience freedom from the damage unforgiveness causes. Isn't it time that you hand Him the leash?

Act

Unleashing unforgiveness is difficult, and it won't happen overnight. But God wants you to experience ultimate freedom! So right now, commit to starting each day this week right here, reading these devotionals and putting into practice the steps that you learn!

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I admit to You that I am hanging on to resentment and anger because of something in my past. But I'm tired of all the collateral damage in my life. Help me to give this situation to You. I thank You in advance for the freedom You have in store for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.