A teacher did an experiment with her students one-day using potatoes. She asked her students to bring a sack of potatoes and a clear plastic bag. For every person they refused to forgive in their life, they were asked to choose a potato and write the person's name on it and then the date that the hurt or offence had happened. Then they were to put their potatoes into the plastic bag.
Depending on the unforgiveness and hurt each student was carrying around in their heart towards others determined the weight of the bags.
The students were then asked to carry their potato bags everywhere for one week. They had to carry it with them as they walked, put it next to their desk all day at school, eat meals with it on the table, and have it in the bed with them at night; wherever they went, their bag of potatoes went too.
Lugging their heavy bags around with them illustrated to the students what a weight they were carrying on the inside, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and even the toll it was having on them physically as they held onto their hurts and unforgiveness. Not only that, but as the week progressed, those potatoes started to rot, causing them to become smelly, mushy and disgusting…
This metaphor describes how our choice not to forgive, deal with our pain or do what we need to do to be able to move forward healthily can end up affecting who we are and the aroma and atmosphere around us far more than we think. Our choice not to forgive and deal with our issues and hearts will weigh us down and eventually will affect everything we are and do.
The next time you think you can’t forgive someone or are hesitant to let something go, ask yourself, isn’t my bag heavy enough? And do I really want to have that person or circumstance hinder and contaminate the new things God has for my life?
The truth is, forgiveness doesn’t make them right; it makes you free!
Today, if you carry weights of unforgiveness and hurt around, I encourage you to lay them down. Be determined to get rid of anything that has started to stink like a rotten potato in your life because God has so much more for you, and you don't need to be carrying that stinky stuff around any longer.
Make a choice to forgive, let go and let God into that space in your heart and memories so he can bring healing and freedom. You may not feel you can do it, but God makes all things possible. (Matthew 19:26 NIV) (Psalm 147:3)
“Who the Son sets free is free indeed.” (John 8:36)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for caring for me and not wanting me to be weighed down by hurts or things from the past. I choose to forgive……………….today, and I let go and let you into that space in my heart and life. Please cleanse me, set me free and help me to keep looking at you and the amazing future you have for me. In Jesus name Amen.
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