One of the annoying ways many of the airlines are raising revenue these days is to charge extra for baggage. You know the deal; some charge for every bag, some allow the first one free. Just don’t violate their policy or you are going to pay MORE for it! I don’t know about you but I don’t like paying extra for my baggage. The kicker is… this can serve as a metaphor for our lives. The baggage I am referring to comes in the form of unforgiveness and bitterness. There is a price to be paid for its weight. It does not discriminate in where it shows up; family life, professional life, it knows no boundaries and as a bonus it can also ravage our personal well being.
I read this quote by teacher Joyce Meyer that I believe speaks volumes, “I know from personal experience how damaging it can be to live with bitterness and unforgiveness. I like to say it’s like taking poison and hoping your enemy will die. And it really is that harmful to us to live this way.” Can you identify with that quote? I want to park here and share some thoughts from my own journey.
Bitterness and unforgiveness is a poison that works its way through every fiber of a persons being. Sometimes we are surprised by where and when it shows up. It begins with hurt and unforgiveness. Unresolved, the hurt grows into bitterness, which leads to anger. The classic definition of depression we learned in psychology 101 is; depression is anger turned inward. This poison is always present at some level waiting for an opportune moment to rear its ugly head.
Have you ever been in a business meeting or a personal situation where someone, (and perhaps that someone is you), explodes in anger during a testy discussion. You are taken aback because what was said was not deserving of such a crazed response. Surprise…there it is, all of the toxic past comes rushing back.
The bottom line, this baggage is way too expensive to carry. It must dealt with for the load to be lightened.
It should be no surprise that the Bible has much to say on the topic. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.” Eph 4:31nlt Why does the Bible address this? Simply, unforgiveness is destructive, it will not only sabotage our quality of life, but prevents us from living a life of wholeness and authenticity.
Moving to wholeness takes work. Be encouraged, do the work, it has guaranteed ROI (return on investment) that will affect every area your life.
Begin to live life and stop paying extra.
Always such a practical message, and so relevant for the day…hmm, resentment is like gum on your shoe.. God is reminding me not to pick up the resentment. God bless!
Thanks Joe…great post! I had a conversation yesterday with a friend of mine about dating as an adult. I was telling her that it is a misconception that children are baggage. At my age most people’s children are grown already but there is still plenty of baggage! Dragging around old relationship problems, old childhood problems, and holding resentment that it is someone’s fault is so self destructive. Quite frankly, I find it rather toxic. It is difficult to finally find your way in life, unload the baggage, and then think about combining your life with someone who is so obviously carrying old, toxic stuff. *sigh*
Diana: Thank you for your thoughtful response.
Joe