“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”
Ephesians 4:26-27

How do we escape from our past and free our future? Why do some people escape and others seem unable to? The answer is a simple, but hard truth: forgiveness is the key to a baggage-free future. If you do not cast your cares on the Lord, you will continue to carry around your hurts, failures, abuse, and offense.

The world and culture that we live in does not promote forgiveness, but instead encourages revenge, bitterness, and punishment. But think about this: can you ever punish someone enough to heal the wound in your heart? No amount of suffering on their part can fix your pain.

But the Word tells us that God can heal your heart! He asks you to forgive and cast your cares on Him so that you are no longer carrying your pain or picking at your heart wounds.

Forgiveness does not make the offense okay, but it does stop the hurt from being your defining moment. Jesus came to offer redemption and make you a new creation, but it can be difficult to live as a new creation when you are carrying a bag of offenses and hurts from the past.

Mark 11:25 says, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Forgiveness is an open door to the peace of God. Watch Him work in your heart as you cast your cares on Him!