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I came across an article recently in the U.S. News and World Report, March 22, 2004 issue written by Marianne Szegedy-Maszak entitled "Getting over it, mind and body." The article had much to say concerning the health benefits one receives from getting over injustices and emotional injuries caused by others towards us.
Her insights first discuss the fact that "forgiveness means renouncing the hold that anger and resentment have over you. Not that you cease to feel anger and resentment, but you don't allow them to rule your life."
Second, she discusses the physical hazards which come from refusing to forgive. She says, "Forgiving someone is at least as beneficial for your health as wearing a seat belt or taking vitamins or losing weight. Walking around with anger and resentment raises your blood pressure and heart rate. It reduces the potency of your immune system."
Forgiveness. Jesus taught that it was more than just good for us physically. The One who forgive all in the cross taught that when we forgive others we then really responding as God's own, following Christ's example.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."--Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Forgiveness. It's good for us, both physically and spiritually! Let's spread it around, shall we.
Tom Nuckels |