Sometimes there’s something hold you back… Holding you back from moving forward in your life with a greater sense of mental freedom, peace of mind, and personal integrity before God.

Quite often that “something holding you back” is some unaddressed wrong from your past. But just because something is in the past that doesn’t mean it has passed. It can exert a continuing influence in your life and on your brain.

That’s why forgiveness is so important.

Usually when we think about forgiveness we think about GIVING forgiveness. But do you know what? Sometimes we need to SEEK it too.

1st John 1:8 speaks very directly. It says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

All of us sin. All of us have wronged someone—and that’s true no matter how much you pray, worship God, volunteer, or serve the poor. It’s also true no matter how much money you make, how popular you are, or how many achievements you’ve stacked up.

That’s why I think it can be helpful to think of someone you’ve wronged… and apologize.

I’m not saying it will change the world. But I think it will make you more free, and give you more peace of mind and personal integrity as you stand before a God who has also forgiven you.

Just because something is in the past that doesn’t mean it has passed. So think of someone you’ve wronged…

And apologize.

By Matthew Ruttan

• Today’s “Up!” is partly based on my Sunday podcast called “Righting Wrongs.” You can hear the 20-minute message here. Enjoy!