Unforgiveness Blocks the Blessing of God
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
“Get rid of all bitterness,…, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
There’s a part of the Lord’s Prayer that says, “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive anyone who sins against us” – Luke 11:4 (NIV). This prayer not only covers individual and collective sin, but it is also a prayer of forgiving others.
We cannot be a believer in Christ and hate our parents who abused us during our childhood and adolescent years while under their care. We cannot hate the brethren who borrowed money from us and refused to return it. Similarly, we should not harbour hatred for the envious brethren who successfully assassinated our character among the pastors, leaders, and saints with the intention of destroying our ministry. James 1:2-4 (NKJV), states, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you will be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
When we go through character assassinations, deceit and deception, and suffer oppression, and various trials, let us remember God’s Word in Matthew 5:11-12 – we are blessed and our reward is great in heaven. In other words, we are not to lament our situation, but shower our accusers with love, and “rejoice and be exceedingly glad” (Verse 12). They have only succeeded in increasing the stock of blessings God has stored up for us!
There’s also another reason we need to forgive; it is the best way to live. When we choose not to forgive, we are trapped in a prison of anger and bitterness, with the only key to freedom being forgiveness. Forgiving someone is not allowing them a free pass, but rather it’s not allowing the past to control our present actions and behaviour. In some cases, the persons who have hurt us are already dead, but we’re still bitter. We have unwittingly allowed the dead to have power over us. Beloved, do not allow unforgiveness to block the blessings of God for our lives. Forgiveness is the medicine that keeps us from becoming bitter people. Choose to be blessed today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Son Jesus in Mark 11:25 stated, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your trespasses”. Help me to live this prayer daily, Lord. Destroy every power of darkness that has entangled me with the spirit of unforgiveness. Today, I choose to forgive all who have harmed or wronged me, just as You, God, have forgiven me. Thank You, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Read: Genesis 50:17; Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 18:35
Bible Reading Guide: Psalms 126; Hebrews 12:14-29; Ezekiel 28; Ezekiel 29
