Christ tells us to forgive, not just occasionally, but 70 times 7. In 2006, after the brutal shooting in a Pennsylvania school, the Amish were able to witness to the world through their act of forgiveness. It was not just a verbalization of their forgiveness of the shooter, but forgiveness was delivered through acts of kindness to his widow and children. They followed the command given in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11—they forgave the man, and embraced his family, in spite of the great sorrow and pain his actions caused them. If we were faced with this situation, how many of us would be able to follow God’s command so well?

Harvard Health and the Mayo Clinic tout the health benefits of forgiveness. Medical studies have revealed that holding a grudge puts your body through the same strains as a major stressful event: muscles tense, blood pressure rises, and sweating increases. A small study on people with chronic back pain found that those who practiced meditation focusing on converting anger to compassion felt less pain and anxiety than those who received regular care. In the same way, letting go through a forgiving attitude will help reduce the physical strain of stress.

Katherine Piderman, Ph.D. states “By embracing forgiveness, you embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy. Getting another person to change his or her actions, behavior or words isn't the point of forgiveness. Think of forgiveness more about how it can change your life — by bringing you more peace, happiness, and emotional and spiritual healing. Forgiveness takes away the power the other person continues to wield in your life.”

Andy Andrews in The Traveler’s Gift writes: “The unmistakable truth about forgiveness is that it is not a reward that must be earned; forgiveness is a gift to be given. When I give forgiveness, I free my own spirit to release the anger and hatred harbored in my heart…forgiveness, when granted to others, becomes a gift to myself.”

If you are the one who needs forgiveness, consider admitting the wrong you've done to those you've harmed. Be sincere--don’t make excuses—and specifically ask for forgiveness. Remember, however, you can't force someone to forgive you. Others need to move to forgiveness in their own time. Simply acknowledge your faults and admit your mistakes. Then commit to treating others with compassion, empathy and respect. Finally, forgive yourself—Christ has already forgiven your repentant heart. Self-loathing for sins past will prevent you from loving and forgiving others fully.

Is it not amazing and wonderful that once again there is proof positive, that when we obey God, and follow his instructions we benefit in body, mind and spirit? When we forgive, our body releases the stressful effects that anger and grudges can have, our emotions are freed from the bondage that anger holds, and our spirit can once again be joyful.