Let It Go, and Move On!

The greatest act of forgiveness ever was when Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Forgiveness is really about Jesus. For Him to forgive us, we must confess our faults to one another, forgive, and seek forgiveness from God. The Bible tells us, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26, KJV). A lot of people go to their graves still holding on to grudges. Yet if you were to ask them what they were mad about, they could not tell you. Some people stay angry out of habit and for no reason.

Forgiveness is a hard pill to swallow. Some people say that they haven’t spoken to their family members or friends in years. I say, “Let it go, and move on!” We can’t have a meaningful relationship with God or each other if we harbor malice, bitterness, and hatred in our hearts. God can’t heal us or forgive us that way.

Besides, we are not here to judge others.

There have been many incidents in my life that I had to really pray about and ask God for forgiveness and healing. Every time I saw a certain individual that had accused me falsely, I would go the other way just to avoid them.

One instance involved the division of my mother’s estate between my siblings and me after she passed. My sister knew how my mother wanted her property and possessions divided among us children. Yet because she had access to my mother’s affairs, she and her attorney swindled us out of everything.

At first, I was mad, hurt, and upset, but after talking to God in prayer, I began to seek His forgiveness for myself and her. I know that one day she will have to answer to God for her actions. I didn’t want to carry this with me for the rest of my life. If I hadn’t asked to extend forgiveness, God couldn’t have forgiven me.

One of the biggest acts of forgiveness that I have witnessed was in 2019 during a trial for a former police officer who shot and killed her neighbor.

At the end of the trial, the victim’s brother asked if he could say something. He told the officer that he forgave her for killing his brother.

He offered Christ, hugs, and grace. He did what Jesus wants us to do. There were those who criticized what he did, but I’m sure this gave him peace and contentment, which is what God gives to us. “Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven” (Luke 6:37, KJV).

Camilla E. Cassell