One of my Sunday School teachers had each of us bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes. For every person we'd refuse to forgive in our life experience, we were told to choose a potato, write the person's name and date on it, and put it in the plastic bag.

Some of our bags, as you can imagine, were quite heavy.

We were told to carry this bag with us EVERYWHERE for the next week, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driving and next to our desk at work.

The hassle of lugging these potatoes around clearly showed what a heavy spiritual weight each of us carries.

It was a continual reminder of how much attention we have to pay to the weight at all times . . . especially when we'd leave it in embarrassing places.

Naturally, the condition of our potatoes deteriorated quickly to a nasty slime. This is a great metaphor for the price we pay for holding on to pain and heavy negativity! Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to others, yet this example clearly shows the gift is to each of us as well!

So, the next time you decide you can't forgive someone, ask yourself . . . "Isn't my bag heavy enough already?"

"FORGIVE the sins we have done, JUST AS WE have forgiven those who did wrong to us." Matthew 6:14

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                "Afflictions may be lasting,
               but not everlasting!"

                                                                      "Be joyful in hope,
               patient in affliction,
                                faithful in prayer."
              Romans 12:12 (NIV)

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