Science and the Power of Forgiveness

“‘Do not go to bed angry’ is common advice for couples who want to improve their relationship, and it may have a scientific backing. Researchers have found out that negative, emotionally-charged memories, like the ones that follow an argument, were harder to suppress after a good night’s sleep” (IB Times, November 29, 2016).

Long ago, in His love for His people, God gave essentially the same advice: “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26). God designed the human mind, and He knew that resolving conflict before sleep keeps lasting memories of the conflict from forming. The Bible contains many different laws and principles that, if followed, will improve our lives and bring us increased peace of mind. Anger is emotionally destructive, and that is why God warned, “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). When we are humble enough to forgive someone, and we do it quickly, we no longer bear the emotional consequences of conflict—something God has long known. Today, scientific studies help us to better understand God’s ancient wisdom on this matter. For more about the power of forgiveness, read “Patience… Mercy… Longsuffering… Forgiveness.”