“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and
discover that the prisoner was you.”
Lewis B. Smedes

There have been times that though I said, I forgive you, I still held onto the offense and let it fester within until I was simply miserable.  Looking all around me to see what was wrong, neglecting to look at myself with an open and honest heart, I would wonder why I was so unhappy and sad and angry. 

As the quote says I was a prisoner. Locked in a prison of self-righteousness and pride.  Holding onto the wrong done, real or imagined, saying the words but not letting go of the anger and hurt.  Not acknowledging that I was involved in whatever the trouble was. Allowing my need to be right and blameless kept me chained in a pit of arrogance and self-importance.

I have learned some wrongs and hurts cannot or won’t be forgotten but they can be put in a box labeled, The Past.  Honestly, sometimes the box spills open and the memories come back but they don’t overwhelm me. I can remember knowing that the past is over and done, all has been forgiven.  Then I find a peace knowing that with forgiveness comes freedom, freedom filled with love.