Unforgiveness is something that can really hold us back from escaping the corruption of sin and living for God. Unforgiveness is the single most popular poison that the enemy uses against God’s people, and it is one of the deadliest poisons a person can take spiritually. Unforgiveness comes in many forms, such as bitterness, hatred, malice, holding grudges and resentment. It can actually block God’s forgiveness of our sin and provides a foothold for the devil to influence our lives. It causes everything from mental depression, to health problems. Additionally, Unforgiveness can plant a “root of bitterness” in us that leads to various damaging results (e.g. ruins the fruit of the Holy Spirit, stunts spiritual growth). Like acid can destroy the vessel that holds it, so can Unforgiveness destroy us when we harbor it.
Forgiving others
God expects us to forgive others just as he has forgiven us. God, who is perfect, sacrificed his Son Jesus so that our sin penalty (death) would be paid. Because of our faith in Christ (and his sacrifice), God forgives us from our sin, If we then refuse to forgive another person for an offense, we are dishonouring the forgiveness that God gave us. God will hold us accountable for this as Jesus illustrated in the sobering parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35 NIV).
Another important aspect of unforgiveness is that it is a form of pride. When we’ve been wronged by someone, we have a natural desire to see justice done. When we withhold forgiveness, we’re basically passing judgment on the person. God instructs us to trust in him for the execution of justice. The scripture says,
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19 NKJV). As God’s followers, we must submit our desire for justice to him and trust it in his hand.
This can be very hard to do, especially if someone has spitefully mistreated us or some what they have done, but rather, it is laying the case before God’s throne and asking him to deal with it according to his will.
We have to remember that God saw the evil that was done. He knows how deeply we’ve been hurt. If we can come to the place where we’re willing to forgive the person through Christ’s love, we will be able to move forward and leave the burden of justice in his capable hands.
Reasons why you should shed this extra weight called Unforgiveness:
- It is a spiritual poison
- It hinders prayers from being answered.
- It takes a lot of strength to maintain
Don’t fool yourself forgiveness is a process that takes time.
Here are some key scriptures addressing our need to forgive:
“Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, “l repent,’ you shall forgive him”. Luke 17:3-4 NKJV
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV
“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.” Mark 11:25NASB
“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 NASB
Originally published in the print edition of DIVINE Magazine, Issue 01.
