Ephesians 4:32(KJV)
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
We live in a world full of offense and unforgiveness. Thus, as long as we are in this world, offenses will come, and people will err or offend. There is no way we will not be offended in our interactions with fellow human beings. Offense and unforgiveness are satanic traps for the destruction and damnation of man. Satan bombards our minds with this weapon of unforgiveness at his disposal every day of our lives. As long as we are alive, we are engaged in warfare—a warfare that rages and never stops. Our minds remain satan’s battlefield and it is where satan triumphs—he makes sure we do not forgive. It isn’t a new trick devised for our generation; he began his deceptive ways long ago. Most of our problems are rooted in unforgiveness, which produces the difficulties we experience. However, unforgiveness is not a biblical option. It is also one thing for offenses to come and another to have the grace to forgive the offender. Our reactions when offended by others should be guided by pleasing Christ as the underlying reason and guiding principle. Colossians 3:13 says, “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” We are to forgive one another as Christ forgave us. Forgiveness means giving up resentment and bitterness.
As Christians, it is our duty to forgive others regardless of how painful the offense may be. Forgiveness is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a mandate for Christians; no one can profess to be a genuine Christian and not live a lifestyle of forgiveness. Forgiveness closes the door to satan’s attack so that he cannot gain a foothold that might eventually become a stronghold. It prevents or ends strife in our relationships with others. It is a command from God and a precondition to receiving forgiveness from Him. Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” We are to forgive others as God forgave us. Just as God has extended His unconditional forgiveness, He expects us to offer the same to our neighbors. Stephen cried out loudly to the Lord not to hold the sin against the people stoning him. Even in death, he was willing to forgive his offenders. As a caution, many in this life will throw stones at us, but forgive and move on.
Beloved, your lack of forgiveness can sabotage your comprehensive victory. Since no one can offend you Seventy times Seven Times(70×7), learn to forgive so that your fasting and prayers can be acceptable before God. Learn to forgive one another even before the offense comes. Don’t become an emotional historian, keeping deliberate accounts of the wrongs you have suffered. Release every offender from guilt permanently and unconditionally, operating as if nothing wicked ever happened between you. As well as forgiving, you must purposefully forget. As you do that, something supernatural will happen within you. The pain once caused by that incident will disappear. There will always be an appeal of satanic enticement through unforgiveness. But forgive all who have offended you and release them from every captivity of bitterness in your heart. Don’t fall into the devil’s trap because he will send people to offend you. Let your life bring joy and gladness to many and not offense. Be careful not to go around intentionally sowing seeds of wrongdoing. Promote happiness and not bitterness! Ask God to help you in your journey towards grace and forgiveness with others. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring any grudge hidden in your heart to light so you can forgive. Remember, the devil will always use the people close to you to offend you.
O Lord, I receive the grace to forgive every offender in my life in Jesus’ Name.