Freedom From Addiction Sample

In the recovery programs, there is a common saying, “Resentment is the number one offender.” I’ve witnessed this to be true. People getting offended, and not extending grace and forgiving the person that offended them is the biggest cause of relapse. Forgiveness is a big deal when it comes to the recovery journey.

Saint Augustine explained the effect of remaining bitter when someone offends you, “Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”

As a follower of Jesus and someone who has been set free from the death grip of addiction, I cannot afford to be unforgiving towards someone. As someone who struggled with putting poison into my body, I needed to replace the poison of not forgiving with the tonic of forgiveness.

Just as Christ forgives us of our sins, I must learn to forgive others. It’s not about whether they deserve it. I know I certainly didn’t deserve it, but God still forgave me and continues to forgive me.

Don’t beat yourself up if forgiving is an ongoing process for you. God loves you and will help you through this process; keep praying and processing knowing that glorious freedom awaits you on the other side of forgiving those who have wronged you.

Prayer Tip

Don’t delay; ask God to bring anyone who you have not forgiven to mind. When He does bring people to mind, begin to pray for them. Pray for that person the way you would want people to pray for you. Allow God to work on your heart as you pray for those you need to forgive.

Remember, as Christ hung on the cross to pay for the sins of the world, He prayed to His Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots.” (Luke 23:34)

Action Step

Forgiveness can be a process. It often needs prayer and talking with someone you know and trust to work through any pain that may have been caused. Engage in prayer today with God, and reach out to a fellow believer who you know and trust and ask them to walk with you into this freedom that forgiveness grants.