Lack of Forgiveness: A Deadly Virus

I recently received an email that said, “Warning: Do Not Open!” When I read the email, it told me about a computer virus that could potentially destroy the entire hard drive of the computer. You’ve probably received emails from co-workers, family members, or friends who had a similar issue. Like a human virus that can spread rapidly from one person to another. A computer virus travels from one computer to another causing great destruction. Once it logs into a computer, it automatically collects certain codes that rush through your files to destroy all your personal data. Other times, it can stay on your computer for days before it is released (waiting for certain dates) to spread to other computers and cause harm to the unsuspecting. What does a computer virus have to do with my “unforgiveness” topic?

I believe that unforgiveness can be a deadly virus in our lives if we don’t deal with it. Many health experts refer to these as “deadly emotions.” Researchers even agree that unforgiveness is linked to a variety of health problems. Studies have been conducted to measure the heart rate, sweat rate, and other responses of volunteers who were asked to recall errors they had experienced. According to Professor Charlotte Van Oyen of Hope College in Michigan, where the study was conducted; the subjects’ blood pressure and heart rate were increased, as well as muscle tension was shown to be higher. This shows that stress levels are higher when an individual walks unforgiving rather than forgiving. Stress leads to a host of other illnesses that land people in hospitals every day. Dr. Don Colbert, MD says, “One of the secret causes of stress that affects millions of people is lack of forgiveness.”

What does it mean to forgive? In The Five Languages ​​of Apology, by Dr. Gary Chapman (also the author of The Five Love Languages) he simply states that “to forgive means to cover up, to remove, to forgive, and to be kind to. When we forgive, it means to lift the grief and forgive the other.” offender. Forgiveness is not a feeling, but a decision. This does not mean that trust is restored immediately.”

Whenever we are wronged or an offense has been committed, at that moment we have the option to forgive that person or that evil. People often feel justified in not forgiving for what they had to endure or for the pain they had to go through; however, it ultimately destroys the unforgiving person, not the other person. The human brain is like a computer, it is a memory bank, whether short or long term, it releases biochemical stress responses when you meditate and rehearse all the offenses that have been committed against you. I have heard it said that the unforgiving individual is the one who drinks the deadly poison, but wishes the other person to die instead.

For as long as we can remember, we have been taught “forgive and you will be forgiven…” because this is something that seems very elementary, something we probably learned as children and in Sunday school. The opportunity not to forgive confronts all of us at one time or another and multiple times throughout our lives. This is a spiritual principle that, if we choose it, will result in freedom. Colossians 3:13 says, “You must take into account the faults of others and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (NTV)

We have all been hurt and devastated by someone close to us, but we have the choice not to allow grief to take root in bitterness, which then causes stress, and stress causes a variety of illnesses and diseases to reap our lives. This can be a viscous cycle, and we are surrounded by people every day who live in this cycle of unforgiveness. I like what Dr. Colbert says: “Forgiveness doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt. It’s choosing not to live in the feeling of unforgiveness.” If we choose to forgive, does that mean we allow those who hurt us back into our lives without first earning our trust? Absolutely not! Depending on where the relationship is; I think it’s a decision between the two individuals involved.

We all have to choose whether or not to forgive a wrong done to us, and it can be the hardest thing to do. Some offenses may seem minor, making forgiveness easier. The real test is when forgiveness is difficult; Do you remember Dr. Gary Chapman’s definition of forgiveness? When he is ready to cover; to go; pardon; to be graced with; lift the sentence and pardon the offender.

To prevent dangerous viruses from infecting our computers and causing permanent damage; Companies have created antivirus software, an option that is already available and protects our computers from contracting these harmful viruses that can make our computers useless. Just like antivirus software, forgiveness is the only remedy or antidote to unforgiveness for our own good! No matter how difficult your situation is, choose to let go, forgive that person who hurt you, the words that were said about you, the abuse you experienced, the husband or wife who abandoned you, the children who rebelled. and they didn’t appreciate what you did for them. Maybe you need help getting through this, that’s okay, get the help you need. The longer you live in this cycle, the more damage the virus will cause.

Like some computer viruses that sit and wait for a certain date to be released; unforgiveness is similar: it registers itself in your memory bank, waiting for the day it can actually release its poison, and then paralyzes you so you can’t move on. It’s not easy, but you can do it! Choose to forgive. Do not drink the deadly poison, and do not allow the virus to spread through your body, robbing you of health and vitality; robbing your precious life of the joy that belongs to you. You can do it! Forgiveness is powerful! Choose to experience total freedom, health, and healing in your spirit, soul, and body!

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9905/20/forgiveness/

Dr. Gary Chapman, Jennifer Thomas. The five languages ​​of the apology. North Field, 2006

Dr. Don Colbert, MD The Seven Pillars of Health. siloam, 2007