Drop the Dead Weight

Every new year, people rush to lose weight.

Gyms are packed, diets are started, and workout plans are announced.

But for most, that routine lasts about a month before life pulls them back into old habits.

But there’s another kind of weight many of us carry, one that never shows up on a scale.

It’s the weight of unforgiveness.

As men, forgiving others can be hard.

Pride, ego, and pain often convince us that holding a grudge is strength.

But what we don’t realize is that while we’re holding onto unforgiveness, we’re also carrying extra weight ,heartache, stress, hypertension, and emotional damage that slowly affects our bodies and our spirits.

My wife says it best: "you can’t let people who hurt you live rent-free in your head."

And she’s right. While we’re replaying the offense, the other person is often moving on and enjoying life. The only one suffering is us.

This past year, I’ve been hurt by a lot of people.

Forgiveness wasn’t easy.

But holding onto that hurt began to affect my health.

During a routine physical, my EKG came back irregular, and I was referred to a cardiologist. When he asked if I was stressed, I said no but the truth was, I was holding onto unresolved pain and offense.

Unforgiveness doesn’t just affect your emotions it affects your heart. Here’s the reality:

God cannot operate freely in a heart where sin is also being entertained. God’s Word lives in our hearts, and when we invite unforgiveness in, we push His love out. That makes it harder for Him to work in us, through us, and for us.

Unforgiveness cripples the heart spiritually and physically. That’s why forgiveness isn’t optional for believers. It’s a daily decision and a spiritual discipline. We must continually fight in prayer, asking God to help us forgive so that we can remain open vessels for His grace.

Jesus made it clear: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14–15 ESV

This is the weight we need to lose every day and keep off.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean I have to like you.

It doesn’t mean access is restored.

It simply means I choose freedom over bitterness.

I forgive you and I let it go.

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Reflection:

What weight am I carrying today that God never asked me to hold?

Who do I need to forgive, even if I never receive an apology?

How has unforgiveness affected my peace, health, or relationship with God?

What would my life look like if I truly let this go?

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Prayer

Father God,

I release every offense, every hurt, and every person who has wounded me.

I choose forgiveness today not because it’s easy, but because it leads to freedom.

Cleanse my heart, heal my body, and restore my peace.

Remove every weight that is slowing me down and help me walk fully in Your love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.