Christian Living

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A Matter Of Forgiving
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Though 16 years old, Holly Pearson suffered headaches two sometimes three times a week. At times the headaches were so severe that Holly could not go participate in many of the extracurricular activities she loved. Medications helped some, but the pain persisted and even seemed to grow worse over time. Very concerned about her daughter’s health and well-being, Holly’s mother took her to one of the best internal specialist in the country for an examination and, hopefully, a cure. After many tests and visits, the doctor asked Holly a very personal question.

“Holly,” she began. “I’ve examined you nearly a dozen times and run just about as many tests. I can find nothing that indicates that you should be having this many headaches. So I’m going to ask you a question. You may choose not to answer it if you want. However, I’m going to ask anyway. Do you have some deep resentments or someone you hate so passionately?”

At first, Holly denied she harbored such feelings towards anyone. Then after roughly five minutes, her eyes filled with tears. Yes, she had. A best friend who she felt had stolen her boyfriend from her. The two teens had not spoken to each other for months with no hope of ever resolving the dispute.

“Your headaches, sleeplessness and slight weight gain could all be related,” the doctor told her. “Even if they aren’t, I’d say you are carrying some very serious burdens that are obviously self-destructive. Why don’t you talk the matter over with your best friend? It might do you some positive good.”

“After sitting in her room for two days, Holly took her doctor’s advice, went to her friend’s house, forgave her and reaped all the rewards and benefits of a healed relationship. But there was more. To her surprise, Holly’s physical situation improved dramatically. The headaches she experienced two to three times a week completely ceased. Holly then began sleeping more peacefully and her weight began to return to it normal level as well.

Are there resentments, fears, hatreds you carry in your daily life? More often than not dealing with them could be a matter of forgiving another person! Don’t you think?

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