Forgiveness, Healing and Health – Colossians 3:13 – Faith and Health Devotional

This morning’s Charlotte Observer has an article titled “The Ability to Forgive May Help You Heal.” The subtitle for the article is ‘Holding onto a Grudge is Bad for the Immune System, Author Says’.

The writer of the article, Jane Glenn Haas, interviewed Reverend Michael Berry, Director of Pastoral Care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia. Barry is the author of a book soon to be published titled “The Forgiveness Project: The Startling Discovery of How to Overcome Cancer, Find Health and Achieve Peace.”

I had the good fortune of meeting Rev. Berry two years ago at the annual meeting of the Society for Spirituality Theology and Health at Duke University. We had lunch together and shared about our common passion on the topic of faith and health.

The short article highlights the connection between chronic stress and health – especially from the standpoint of how an unforgiving attitude can impact have one’s health. In addition to reading this short article that appears in many newspapers throughout the country, I would urge you to go to Barry’s website www.releasenow.org as it has a lot of helpful information addressing the link between forgiveness, chronic stress, anxiety and health – especially cancer.

Forgiveness, Healing and Health – What the Research Shows

There is plenty of research available that demonstrates the health implications of not forgiving someone. This link to Berry’s website provides some examples of what the research says on this topic.

Forgiveness, Healing and Health – What the Bible Says

The Bible is chock full of information about the significance of forgiveness. Without a doubt, the Christian faith is based upon the forgiveness that God extends to us through his Son who died on the cross for us. God recognizes that due to the sin nature that we inherited from Adam and Eve, it is our nature to sin and live life in a way that is contrary to the principles that He lays out for us in the Bible. Because God loves us so much, His solution for this problem was to make forgiveness of sins available to us by the death of Jesus. The Bible also has several verses that instruct us to forgive others who have sinned against us.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:12-14

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7

Forgiveness, Healing and Health – The Bottom Line

The bottom line is, God designed us in a way that we should not hold onto grudges and bitterness towards others. When we do this we pay a price – not only in our emotional and spiritual health but in our physical health.

What would God want you to do? Search your heart and let him reveal to you if there is any unforgiveness and bitterness tucked away deep inside. If there is, God wants you to confess this sin and extend forgiveness to the person associated with that pain and hurt.  His Son paid a high price so you can be forgiven by God. You owe it to God to forgive others!

Related Resources

Blog Post – Guilt, Satan, Disease and Forgiveness

Article – Forgiveness: A Spiritual Exercise for a Healthier Heart

Binge Eating? Jesus Satisfies. Weekly Health Devotional – Psalm 63:5

An article appeared today in the CNN health section regarding binge eating and Oprah Winfrey. The title of the article was Don’t Overeat Like Oprah.

The article reports that binge eating is more prevalent then anorexia and bulimia. It’s an informative article that addresses some of the issues concerning binge eating. Among other things, the author points out that it’s important to get down to the roots of the eating. In many cases the root issue is an emotional or spiritual one. The article further outlines how Oprah, as well as many other people interviewed for the article, report that they eat during stressful times. They find solace in the food that they eat.

Over the years I have spoken with many people who are challenged by binge eating. Several have participated in programs that I have administered at a health system and at a YMCA setting.

There’s a verse that comes to mind that I often refer to regarding eating and food.

“You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.” Psalm 63:5

Jesus is the real satisfaction and answer for the very deep needs and spiritual concerns that we have. The scripture makes that very clear. So many people have a difficult time changing their binge eating behavior because they try to change on their own or using some kind of system that really does not get down to the root issues.

Counselors say, according to the article, that what fuels the binges is a desire to get away from an unpleasant feeling. Jesus paid the price for all of our sins, hurts and pains on the cross.  It is for freedom that Jesus died and was resurrected. If you, or someone you know, is challenged by binge eating behavior, then I would urge you or your friend to turn in a deeper way to Jesus.

Spend more time with him. Spend more time reading the Bible. Spend more time on your knees in prayer with him. Mostly, keep him close to you in your heart and cry out to him when you feel especially emotional or are challenged with significantly strong negative emotions.

Jesus satisfies.  Give him a chance!

Helpful Resources

Scriptures Related to Weight Loss and Weight Management