When Jesus gave us the profound directive to “forgive others as God has forgiven us,” He offered a blueprint for harmony and healing, not just for our interpersonal relationships but for our relationship with ourselves.

Often, we view this commandment in the light of forgiving others — a significant and challenging task in itself. However, tucked within this mandate lies an equally essential, often overlooked dimension: forgiving ourselves.

The intertwining of health benefits and the spiritual significance of forgiveness provides a holistic perspective on well-being. When combined with religious teachings, particularly Jesus’s Commandment on forgiveness, we see that spiritual directives are not just about moral rectitude. They are intricately connected to our well-being, both in mind and body.

The ability to forgive, as supported by both scripture and science, provides profound healing – a blend of soulful tranquility and tangible health benefits.

How Does Holding onto Resentment Impact Our Health, and What Are the Advantages of Embracing Forgiveness?

1. Holding onto Resentment

When we refuse to forgive, we essentially cling to negative emotions like anger, hatred, or resentment. When experienced over prolonged periods, such emotions activate the body’s stress response. Chronic stress has been shown to have a direct impact on our health that can include:

• Cardiovascular problems: Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and an elevated risk of heart disease.
• Weight Imbalances: Chronic stress and the “swallowing” of emotions and unresolved hurt can lead to weight gain or even the inability to gain weight due to feelings of unworthiness.
• Weakened immune system: A body constantly on high alert can lead to decreased immune function, making one more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
• Digestive issues: Stress can lead to gastrointestinal problems like bloating, cramping, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Mental health issues: Chronic stress and resentment can elevate the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

2. Forgiveness as Medicine

Conversely, when we choose the path of forgiveness, we promote:

• Emotional release: Forgiveness allows us to let go of the burdensome negative emotions, paving the way for emotional freedom and inner peace.
• Reduced stress: As negative emotions dissipate, our stress levels drop. This promotes better cardiovascular health, enhanced immune function, lower cortisol levels, better rest and sleep, and overall well-being.
• Improved relationships: Holding onto grudges can strain relationships, while forgiveness opens the door to understanding, empathy, and deeper connections.
• Boosted self-esteem: By forgiving others, especially ourselves, we affirm our worth, cultivating a kinder self-image and self-compassion.

3. Forgiveness of Self: A Pillar of Healing

Forgiving others is powerful, but forgiving oneself can be even more transformative. The weight of guilt, shame, or self-blame can:

• Limit personal growth: By perpetually dwelling on past mistakes, we hinder our ability to learn, grow, and evolve from those experiences.
• Hamper relationships: Self-directed anger or resentment can lead to issues like social withdrawal, which affects our relationships with others.
• Cause physical and mental health issues: As with resentment towards others, self-directed negativity can manifest physically and mentally.

The choice of forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, a testament to the inherent wisdom of Jesus’s teachings, and a reaffirmation of the deep connections between the soul, mind, and body. By choosing self-forgiveness, we acknowledge our own humanity, recognize our capacity for growth, and reframe mistakes as opportunities to learn.

4. How to Embrace Forgiveness

Starting the journey of forgiveness can be challenging. Consider:

• Reflecting on the source of your pain: Understand the emotions tied to the hurt.
• Empathize: Try to see things from that perspective, whether it’s with another person or your past self. Everyone operates based on their current understanding and circumstances, including our past selves.
• Seek therapy: A trained therapist or a counselor at your church can guide you in processing emotions and moving toward forgiveness.
• Practice mindfulness and prayer: Techniques like meditation and prayer can help you release negative emotions and promote a forgiving attitude.

In Closing …

Forgiveness stands out as a potent elixir in our quest for better health and well-being. Jesus’s commandment to forgive, when seen in its full light, is a gift. It offers us a path to free ourselves from the burdens of past mistakes and to embrace the present and future with hope, love, and joy. Remember, in the vast tapestry of God’s design, every thread, including our flaws, has its place.

Accepting, forgiving, and loving ourselves is the very essence of being human. Whether we forgive others or ourselves, this act, steeped in understanding and compassion, releases us from the chains of negativity. By embracing forgiveness, we choose a path that nurtures our soul and heals our body.