to forgive...

The message at church today included forgiveness...to forgive means to release...and i found myself realizing i am certainly one of many holding on to some bitter (even hateful) feelings towards people in my past that did indeed hurt me. The message continued that if i am to truly live the way God intends---that i have to forgive---to release. Hmmm...Pastor did say that you in no way have to try and restore any kind of relationship you had with the person(s)...if that means i don't have to call anyone up & say "hi, i forgive you" then i think i can deal with it...at least i will try.