“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses” (Matt. 11:25 NKJV)
“And do not give the devil an opportunity (to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness)” (Ephe. 4:27 AMP)
Wow, forgiveness is one of the most difficult things for us to do when we have been wronged or offended. It is a natural desire to want to hold on to unforgiveness or to become vindictive. If we understand the power and emotional release we receive when we forgive, our natural response would be to quickly forgive whenever we find ourselves experiencing an injustice. This scripture helps us to understand the secret to receiving forgiveness from Father God when we have sinned. Our qualification to be forgiven by Father God is directly related to us forgiving one another. When we forgive, it does not mean the injustice done was not wrong, but it releases us from the torment of anger, bitterness and subsequently all the physical ailments we experience when we hold on to the offense. You see God knows the toxic affect unforgiveness has on us. God wants us to understand forgiveness is not something you do for the other person, but it’s what we must do to set ourselves free. Only God is qualified to judge and punish. We are to pray and forgive so that we don’t find ourselves in bondage to the torment that comes when we hold on to the offense. Think about it, while we were hostile to God, He sent His son Jesus to die in our place for our sins! Jesus, asked Father God to forgive the people crucifying Him while he was still suffering from the pain of the crucifixion. The next time you are confronted with a situation that has you struggling with unforgiveness, remember the benefits you receive as a result of applying this Biblical principle. Take the time today to release any unforgiveness you are holding in your heart through prayer. Even if you don’t have the desire to forgive, step out in faith and release that person to God. The word of God instructs us, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord (Rom. NKJV)
Prayer: Father God, your word instructs me to forgive. I’m struggling with unforgiveness; however, I’m asking you to empower me to step out in faith and apply the principle of forgiveness so that I can be set free to experience the peace and joy that only comes from a mind set free from the torment of anger and bitterness. Thank you, Father in Jesus name Amen.