As we take inventory of the human condition and the tragedies that are occurring daily in our world, we see that men, women, and children are using many ways to hurt one another. A reality check will cause us to look inward and in truth and honesty attest that we too have offended others. Yes, satan is at work in this madness, but let us focus on those who are affected by the crimes, wrongs, transgressions, and mistakes of others.

Offenses, whether major or minor, can take there toll on the best of us. Only God can preserve our minds, regulate our thoughts, and guard our emotions so that we are not a part of the problem, but part of the resolution, restoration, and reconciliation. The offended one must choose to release the sting of the words spoken and the effect of the negative memories. We are not responsible for the behavior of others, but we are accountable and responsible for our choices. To hold on to unforgiveness is not liberating at all. Rather it reveals that we have not turned everything over to God and that we prefer giving the offense and offender power over us. We unintentionally make them and our pain gods.

When we operate in an unforgiving mode, we distance ourselves from the Lord and create opportunities for satan to work additional madness in our lives, homes, relationships, finances, ministries, etc. Indeed emotional and mental agonies are the effects of being offended, but Jesus is above any offense. Since He lives in each of us who believed and received Him, we too can say His words and mean them, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Moreover, we must forgive as Christ has forgiven and continues to forgive us.

Forgiving someone who has repented (Luke 17:3-4) is good, but forgiving the indignant, self-absorbed person is even better. Herein we take authority over demonic forces and accept our freedom, healing, and deliverance. Counteract contempt, defensiveness, rejection, spite, separatism, silent treatment, revenge, escapism, self-righteousness, criticism, sarcasm, hostility, bitterness, despondency, stubbornness, pride, illusion, belligerence, insecurity, and other agents of evil that work to place and keep us in darkness. Demonstrate God's love and reflect His light by putting His words into action. None of these powers can withstand the weapons of God's love and light.

So you say that you cannot forgive. Yes, you can. God says that what is impossible with us is possible with Him and there is nothing too hard for Him. Walk in the liberty that Christ Jesus has set you free. Do not allow what someone has done to you to hinder you from imitating God. We will get angry, but we are warned not to sin and not to go into another day with the offense controlling us. (Ephesians 4:4-5). Know that with Christ guiding your heart and mind, you can forgive, let "it" go, and release "that" which was intended to imprison us. Forgive today and always.