Want to start 2015 free
and clear of emotional, mental, and perhaps even spiritual baggage? Then do
this exercise. It will surprise you in several ways and will set you on a clean
and happy path for the upcoming year.
Thanks Margo for sharing this
with me so many years ago!
STEP 1: Make a list of
every grief, major or minor, that others caused you this past year. List names
and incidents. The more details, the more free you’ll get.
STEP 2: Add to the list
any past hurts people have caused you that are still bugging you.
STEP 3: Go through the
list and categorize the grievances. I’ve listed some of the categories I’ve
addressed over the years, as examples to get you started:
-people
not caring about other people’s feelings
-good
people letting evil people rule over them
-people
getting angry when confronted with the truth and trying to hide from it or
ignore it
-people
who use their power or position to manipulate others
-promises
made that were broken
-not
asking for help or even recognizing when it comes
-pushy
people
STEP 4: For each of the
categories ask yourself, “Have I ever acted this way toward God?”
When I did this exercise
for the first time, this fourth step was a great awakening. And every year
since has been a huge refreshing. I realize I am just as much of a sinner as
anyone who has offended me. I acknowledge what God has forgiven me for and then
I know I have no right to withhold forgiveness from anyone else. So I let them
go and I forgive.
If I feel any lingering
hurt or anger, I just have to give it to God. I remind Him I need some help, “God,
I’m not doing so well with this, so You’re going to have to do something from there.”
And of course He does.
The servant in Matthew 18:21-35
had been forgiven but then he turned around and wouldn’t forgive. The Bible
tells us this unforgiveness tormented him and that’s how it is with us. As long
as we don’t forgive, the disturbing thoughts are going to still be attached to
us and be like arthritis or cancer, that just wants to grow, spread and take
over. Doing this one small exercise is the floodgate to awesome freedom as we
begin 2015.
Charge ahead! Like the
Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil
4:13).
Love, Carolyn
WINGS: A Journey in Faith –A compilation of short true narratives to entertain,
inspire and enhance your spiritual growth. If you haven’t read it yet, check it
out: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Wings+Carolyn+Molica