Heart Health

“I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”—Ezekiel 36:26

Unforgiveness is listed in medical books as a disease.

“It’s important to treat emotional wounds or disorders because they really can hinder someone’s reactions to the treatments, even someone’s willingness to pursue treatment,” said Dr. Steven Standiford, chief of surgery at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The negative emotions create a state of chronic anxiety.

Forgiveness is the tool that helps people embrace peace, hope, gratitude, and joy. Forgiveness can also lower blood pressure; improve the immune system; and lower stress.

God told the Israelites He would give them new hearts that would replace the hearts of stone, the hearts filled with anger, bitterness, envy and rebellion. These would come with obeying God, a new spirit, and being cleansed from all sin.

When we forgive, we are freed and feel renewed, reenergized—and it’s best to forgive as quickly as we feel offended. Pausing at night to review the day and note any offenses gives us the opportunity to forgive and let go of the pain. We can reject the disease of unforgiveness as we ask God to cleanse us and give us a new heart.

Today’s One Thing

Forgive anyone who has hurt you or caused you to hold unforgiveness in your heart.

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