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Have you ever been so angry with someone that it consumed your every waking thought? In fact, it may have even driven you while you slept. I mean the kind of anger that is not quickly quelled? This usually occurs when someone does something to you that you consider to be unfair or unwarranted. It has certainly happened to me. You are left feeling vulnerable and puzzled by the action taken by someone you probably trusted. It is not a healthy situation and really can begin to cause you physical damage. It reminds me of the situation that Jesus was in when his friend and confidant Judas turned on him. Contemporary study reveals that Jesus may have chosen Judas for this task. We certainly know that it had to happen in order for Jesus to be crucified which in turn released us from original sin. This despicable act by Judas allows us to live eternal life with God in Heaven. Returning to the original point of this message, I began to wonder if Judas was forgiven. The answer is a resounding yes. We know that our God is a forgiving Father who is always ready for us to return to His loving embrace. Jesus has told us personally that we are to forgive those who trespass against us. Jesus, the ultimate perfection, would never have held a grudge. I can only imagine that Jesus may have forgiven Judas even at the instance that He was betrayed. Of course, the Bible does not tell us this. The apostles were still neophytes when it came to theology and faith development. Even after spending all of their days living with Jesus, they were quickly filled with fear and doubt. It would have been difficult for them to grasp this concept that quickly. With time and study, a luxury they did not have, we are able to discern that Jesus had to have forgiven Judas. It just makes sense. So what does that say about our holding on to grudges? How can we even begin to compare what has happened to us with what happened to Jesus? We also know that holding onto hate and anger only really causes us pain and separation. We are not living our lives in harmony with God. It is imperative that we forgive and forget and let this anger go. In the end, we benefit most and ultimately we grow from the experience.

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