Beloved, let it go and be free

“Don’t waste your life hating someone. You only live once. There’s barely enough time to love people.”

These lines struck me most from the Korean drama I’ve watched which made me ponder about life. The story was about someone whose grudge influenced him to take revenge and to kill the person who had wronged him. His vengeance made his life miserable including the people who got involved with his crimes. For several years, he lived his life with unforgiveness in his heart.

It must be really hard to forgive someone who have hurt us so deeply. The feeling of loss, betrayal, and misery is overwhelming that we could ask, “Why would I forgive someone who did not even ask for forgiveness? Why would I forgive this person who doesn’t deserve to be forgiven?”

For years, I’ve been carrying grudges in my heart. Most of the painful memories are from my childhood. I thought that by suppressing it, I have totally been freed. But I was wrong. A baggage from the past would continue to linger unless we have the courage to face it and to finally let go by forgiving the people who have wronged us.

The process of forgiveness is not an easy thing. But surely, it can be done—something that one can overcome through time. It is true that to forgive is a decision that a person has to make. But in my experience, forgiveness became possible with the grace of God. I prayed for the strength to finally let go of the pain that was holding me back. When I made a decision to forgive, it was the beginning of healing.

To forgive is one of the most liberating thing that we can do for ourselves. Life is much lighter, happier, and peaceful. It’s the gateway to restoration of whatever has been broken and a key to having healthy relationships as to move forward in life.

Indeed, life is short and we have barely enough time to live and to love people. Hating someone is a waste of time. Resentment steals the happy life you deserve. If you still find it hard to forgive, it’s okay. Give yourself enough time. I hope and pray for your heart to have peace and courage to let go of whatever and whoever is hurting you. Know that God desires you to be joyful. He has wonderful plans ahead of you. Don’t let unforgiveness hinder you from experiencing the beauty and abundance of life.

Like a wine losing its sweetness

As a star ceasing in brightness

Pooling the shattered euphoria

Fragility in its pieces to reservoir

A fist of truth, a pinch of deceit

Trembling voice at the hour of defeat

Isolated in the stream of melancholy

Deteriorating vibrancy of a lily

Restless heart and a heartless thought

Gloomy nights, Your name I sought

With all my might I release to Thee

Thy love for me has set me free