Our nation is in the midst of nominating the two candidates for president of the United States.

Throughout the primary months there have been many hurt feelings and disappointments in both parties. Perhaps in the midst of this election season would be a good time to purpose in our hearts that we will follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who made it His practice to forgive those who wronged Him.

There may be serious concerns in your life other than the election cycle where you need to forgive someone or someones around you. Early in His ministry Jesus taught His followers to turn the other cheek when they were being mistreated, and even on the cross, forgiveness was part of His declaration.

It has become more apparent to me recently that many of the hurting people that I know are hurting not only because of what has been done to them, but because of their inability to forgive those who have hurt them.

So often our unforgiveness hurts us more than it hurts the other person. Unforgiveness becomes like a cancer that can eat you alive.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us that we would be forgiven in the same way that we forgive others. It is my conviction that you can find a new freedom in your life if you will forgive those who have hurt and wronged you. I do understand that some people treat us wickedly at times, and I am not suggesting that you always must stay in a place where you can continually be hurt. For many years I have shared that another person’s problem is not our primary problem, but rather our problem is our reaction to their problem.

In the days ahead, please try to make it a way of life to forgive people around you who have wronged you and you will usually experience a peace and often you will see a difference in the life of the one you have forgiven. Have a great summer and expect great things from the Lord throughout the next weeks and months.

Ken Lawrence is pastor at River of Life Fellowship.