Mark 11:26 (KJV)
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Unforgiveness refers to the lack of forgiveness; it is the inability of a person to let go of offenses and offenders from the heart. Unforgiveness is one tool the devil uses to keep us in bitterness and anger. It traps the children of God and hinders their prayers. Unforgiveness lies at the root of many of the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual problems we see today. It blocks the faith channel and keeps us powerless against the mountains. The act of withholding forgiveness from others is tantamount to rejecting the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The death of Christ on the cross was a universal event intended to extend to all people and for all time. In light of Jesus’ teachings on prayer and the significance of not harboring grudges, it is clear that if we have humbly acknowledged our own frailties and sought His absolution, we are obliged to forgive those who have wronged us. Holding grudges is detrimental to our oneness with the Father, hinders our prayers, and causes God to withhold forgiveness from us, as Christ explained. We who are forgiven much must love and forgive others much!
Forgiveness is a mandate for Christians; no one can profess to be a genuine Christian and not live a lifestyle of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a condition for us to make Heaven. Forgiveness is a choice. It is a deliberate act of will, motivated by obedience to God and His command to forgive (Lk. 17:3-4) and a precondition to receiving forgiveness from Him. Forgiveness is sometimes challenging, especially when the offense comes from someone very close. Forgiveness may be painful and costly, but Jesus felt every nail and every thorn and still forgave. That often justifies holding a grudge. However, every time an offense comes our way, know that it is a strategy from the pit of hell to destroy our prayer life and other things. A genuinely forgiving spirit understands this and finds inspiration in the possibility of a positive outcome, for good can come from unfortunate situations. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” As we have enjoyed forgiveness from God, we must also love and forgive others! Forgiveness is not something we do for others; it is what we do for ourselves to help us progress. Alexander Pope once said, “To err is human; to forgive is divine.” Refusing to forgive cuts us off the stream of forgiveness God so longs to give us. Matthew 18:7 says, “Woe unto the world because of offenses! For it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!”
Beloved, don’t fall into this trap of unforgiveness. Ignore people who bring offenses into your life and move on. Refuse to live in bitterness; release offenders from the prison of your heart. The bigger your destiny, the more you have to forgive. Let go of what is behind to lay hold of what is ahead. Very importantly, don’t let the devil use you as a tool to offend others. Repent if you have caused anybody pain. Be different from those who have mastered setting traps for others. You will not be guiltless. Be careful not to sow seeds of offense in other people’s lives intentionally. Jesus clarified that a life without limitation, hindrance, stumbling block, or temptation is impossible. But anyone who hinders, obstructs, tempts, or leads others to sin is cursed by God. Jesus also said great sorrow awaits them, so it would have been better if they were not born. All those behind your problems in life shall run into the wrath of the Almighty God in Jesus’ Name. Be a joy-giver and not offend people. Promote happiness and not bitterness! I prophesy the grace and the spirit of forgiveness upon you in Jesus’ Name. Take time today to ask God to help you in your journey towards grace and forgiveness with others. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring any grudge in your heart to light. Remember, the devil will always use the people close to you to offend you.
O LORD, help me to have a forgiving heart. I receive the grace to forgive every offender in my life in Jesus’ Name.