Monday, August 13, 2012

Put Down Your Baggage

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -- Ephesians 4:31-32

How heavy are your suitcases? Do you have a few folks who’ve done you wrong that you need to forgive? And do you have a few folks you need to ask to forgive you for something you did or said to them? Yeah. All of us have some of that baggage we carry around.

So what are you doing about it? Are you resigned to carry it for the rest of your life? Or would you like relief this side of heaven? It really is possible, you know. But you can’t lighten your load without making a conscious decision to move forward.

How do you start? Pastor Danny recommends making a list, or two, in this case. Write down every person who has ever done you wrong. Get specific. Name the person who said you would fail. List the one who betrayed your confidence. Then forgive them, each and every one. Forgive them. Truly and sincerely from your heart.

They might not even remember what they did or said. Or maybe they do. Either way, you’re the one who is suffering. How much more of your life are you willing to give them? How much unhappiness and bitterness are you willing to hold on to, to suffer with, to let destroy your future?

Let it go. Forgive. Trust God to handle it. The end.

Now you can start on your next list. You know the one I’m talking about. Write down everything you ever did to someone else. Write down every harsh word, ever unkind thing, every wrong action. Get specific. Then tell them. Ask them for forgiveness.

Now, sometimes it isn’t possible or smart to talk directly with folks. Pastor Danny recommended talking to an empty chair like it’s the person you wronged or writing a letter, sealing it, and letting it go. (Be sure to destroy it or put it some place safe.) Just get rid of the guilt for something you can’t change.

This process lets you evaluate your relationships, both past and present, and get a clearer view of good things and bad. And that helps you make wiser choices in the future.

It also grants you an amazing freedom and peace. Because you never fully understand how heavy your luggage is until you put it down.