IT'S NOT WORTH IT : DO AWAY WITH UNFORGIVENESS
The Bible says in Mark 11:25-26, “And when ye stand praying, forgive if ye have aught against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” These words are clearly stated in scriptures by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ showing us why many Christian prayers seem not to yield results; because of unforgiveness. Just as God has extended His unconditional forgiveness to us; He expects us to extend the same to our neighbors. This is the area where the people of God have problems. We like to enjoy God’s benevolence but we find it difficult to extend the same to others. The gravity of this negative attitude is found in the parable of Jesus about the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35). Although the king forgave this servant a debt he could not afford to pay, when his fellow servant who also owed him, he refused. Rather he cast this servant into prison. This attitude made the king so angry that he handed him over to the tormentors and charged them to torment him until he was able to pay. So he was effectively banished to a life time of torment. The key thing to note from this parable is what Jesus said in Matthew 18:35, “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your heart forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
Many people ruin their health and their lives by taking the poison of bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness. Matthew 18:23-35 tells us that if we do not forgive people, we get turned over to the tormentors and one of the instruments for torture in the hand of the tormentor is sickness. Many Christians have given way to sickness, disease, poverty and death into their lives because of their refusal to forgive others. They hold on to that bitterness and resentment till they go to their grave. My brethren, this is not so. Who are you helping most when you forgive the person who hurt you? Actually, you’re helping yourself more the other person. Cant’ you see how happy and better you feel when you let go? Can’t you see how joyful you are within because you have decided to do it God’s way? On the other hand, you are also helping the other person by releasing the so God can do what only He can do. If you are in the way, trying to take revenge or take control of the situation by yourself, God has no obligation to deal with that person. However if we trust God and choose to forgive, He will take care of the rest. The act of forgiving is the seed of obedience to His word. Once we’ve sown our seed, He is faithful to bring a harvest of blessing to us one way or another. Mark 11:22-26 clearly teaches us that unforgiveness hinders our faith from working. The Father can’t forgive our sins if we don’t forgive other people. We reap what we sow. Sow mercy, and you’ll reap mercy; sow judgment, and you’ll reap judgment. So do yourself a favor and forgive now.
Beloved, when you decide to forgive others you have just set yourself loose to the power of God in your life to continuously flow unhindered. Remember that God is love and His power functions in the atmosphere of love. But when you don’t forgive others, malice can creep in, which can short-circuit the power of God in your life. This was what happened to the prophet Elisha in the Bible (2nd Kings 3). Elisha was so angry and better against the king of Israel that he couldn’t hear what the spirit was saying. He had to call for a musician to play so that the anointing could come on him.
Unforgiveness is spiritual filthiness, so get washed in the water of God’s word to forgive and stay clean and as you do your life will never remain the same. God bless you. See you next month.
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