Are you kidding me? Snuggled up on my couch watching the evening news, I noticed a recurring theme in advertisements: Health. The consistent message—punctuating the pauses in the programming—conveyed either a warning about neglected health or a promise for better health or a suggestion for improved health. Vitamins, exercise equipment, and medical trials all made their case.
“Not one voice or advertisement spoke about forgiveness.”
However, not one voice spoke about forgiveness. And yet, one of the most significant ways to improve our health is to forgive.
As the Johns Hopkins article Forgiveness: Your Health Depends On It states,
“Whether it’s a simple spat with your spouse or long-held resentment toward a family member or friend, unresolved conflict can go deeper than you may realize—it may be affecting your physical health. The good news: Studies have found that the act of forgiveness can reap huge rewards for your health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels and sleep; and reducing pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. And research points to an increase in the forgiveness-health connection as you age.”
So, here is my suggestion: In pursuing a lifestyle of vibrant health, don’t hesitate to exercise the muscle of forgiveness. And if it helps, remember, “Forgiveness never goes to a deserving person.” -Ronnie Stevens
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
“He has also set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).
“Father forgive them for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ in God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
Recall a time when your hesitancy to forgive took its toll on your health. What did you learn?
Why do you think forgiveness is an asset to your health?
Please offer your comments and suggestions. Your thoughts hold value for the rest of us.
