Can you think of a person in your life, the very sight of whom would cause you to cringe? Perhaps you were once party to a romantic liaison that ended in disappointment, or perhaps you worked for a boss who unfairly fired you from a job. When other people wound us, it is easy to allow bitterness to creep into our hearts. Feelings of rejection and hurt run deep within us and frequently linger for years. The Bible tells us to forgive those who hurt us, but far too often we ignore this wisdom and seek out other avenues for advice.

When we are weakened by pain, our minds are fertile soil for Satan. He puts his own spin on the situation and fills our heads with drivel that can yield only bondage. Here is what happens: Someone hurts us, and we develop an angry spirit toward that person. Satan excuses our anger by saying, "You've been hurt; it's all right to be angry. After all, the person who wounded you has never apologized. You're a little bit disillusioned right now."

Never once does Satan suggest that we might have an unforgiving spirit toward that person. Never once does he encourage us to forgive. He knows all too well that, as long as we allow ourselves to be dejected and angry, we will continue to sink in the mire of self-pity.

If you are holding someone captive to your own unforgiveness, purpose to loose the chains of anger that bind them. You may find, in the end, that it is you who have been the prisoner all along.

I can have peace of mind only when I forgive rather than judge." G. Jampolsky