There is an interesting verse in the Bible found in Hebrews 12:1.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Every time I read this chapter I imagine an athlete running in the Olympics, or sometimes even a race horse. (Racing is big in New Zealand)

Neither of these two champions are going to want to carry any excess baggage as they run towards their goals.

It is true that a race horse does often run with a handicap, which is usually something heavy.

Yet all too often you and I fall into the trap of carrying excess baggage through life and wonder why it is such a struggle to push forward towards our dreams and goals.

Now of course I don’t mean that you are dragging a heavy case around with you. But there are some things that are equally as heavy, if not heavier than a case that you just might be trying to carry around without realizing it.

Lack of forgiveness and all of the emotions that come in this package.
This is one of the biggest “excess baggage” that people often carry around so much of their lives. Lack of forgiveness is a heavy weight, especially because of everything else it drags into your life.

I cannot count the number of times I have sensed blockages in the lives of people asking for prayer for sicknesses or situations in their lives. And so often when I would ask if they needed to forgive someone their reply would be: “I don’t have anything against anyone”. They were usually very sincere, but in denial.

This can be such a trap for us all. So how can you and I avoid the snare of carrying the weight of unforgiveness?

It is all about YOUR decision. Forgiveness is a decision. It is not an emotion (and it is not trust).

Let’s make this clear:

• Forgiveness is a decision (YOUR decision).
• Trust is earned. To forgive someone does NOT mean you consequently have to trust them again.

Here is a good DAILY habit:
Decide daily that you are going to forgive any offense that comes your way. Yes EVERY day, before you start your day, make a decision to forgive.

It is always best to make such decisions before your emotions get involved. Then if something happens that is hurtful, the decision you have already made will take over instead of your emotions dominating the situation.

Remember: forgiveness is a decision. Decide to drop all of that excess baggage right now and be free to run lighter towards your dreams and goals.

Photo credit Runner 512 on Flickr