http://www.royalrife.com/forgiveness.html

FORGIVENESS AND HEALTH

The mind and emotions have a major effect on health. Where there is cancer, for example, there usually are unresolved emotional shocks. The following practices can greatly improve spiritual and emotional well being and physical health too.

1. It is necessary to learn to receive forgiveness from God. Romans 3:23 tells us: "For all have sinned...." Psalm 38:3 adds: "There is no health in my bones because of my sin." Romans 6:23 tells us that forgiveness is available: "The wages of sin is death, but free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." In other words, forgiveness is available because of Christ's death on our behalf. How do we make use of this truth? We confess our sins to God and thank Him for forgiveness.

2. It is necessary to forgive those who have hurt or wronged us. This is presented rather forcefully in Matthew 6:15: "But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive you...." For good physical, emotional and spiritual health, it is helpful to make a list of all who have hurt or wronged you. Remember what they did, and even remember what you felt at the time. Then choose to forgive them for what they did and for the consequences of what they did. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. Ask God to heal your broken heart, and thank Him for doing that. Ephesians 4:26 adds: "Do not let the sun go down on your anger." In other words, do not go to bed angry. This is also good mental hygiene and is one of the things that produce good physical and emotional well-being.

You can also forgive yourself for blunders that have caused difficulty for yourself or others. Again, forgiveness is a choice.

3. It is necessary to receive forgiveness from others and make restitution when possible. Matthew 5:23-24 is one place where this concept is presented. "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." When you say "I was wrong," they will probably agree with you! The words "I was wrong, will you forgive me?" can open up communication and restore relationships.

Use discretion as to whether contacting certain people may cause them further harm. Phoning someone else's spouse, for example. Ask God what to do in those cases.

Index