The Demonic Entrapment of Unforgiveness
Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV)
“For if ye 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)
While He was on the cross of Calvary, dying, Jesus petitioned His Father, Jehovah God, to forgive – (Luke 23: 34). Likewise, He commands us to forgive. God’s command carries a stern warning. If we do not forgive we will not be forgiven. Many times Christians generally are enmeshed again in the same carnalities because they refused to forgive others. All that had been forgiven and washed away came back upon them.
Jesus told the story of the man forgiven his debt of ten thousand talents and refused to forgive one who owed him a hundred pence; a far less significant amount. He was delivered to the “tormentors” – Matt. 18: 21-35 (KJV).
It is evident that whoever has not forgiven a father, mother, brother, sister, or friend is handed over to torment. Whatever we judge in another we are doomed to become or to reap in our lives (Romans 2:1).
Every resentment acted on or nurtured quietly in the heart is a sin that engenders an equal or greater response, which creates a further reaction. Nelson Mandela said, “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies”. Only on the cross, there is a stopping place, where for all things, “it is finished” – John 19:28-30.
Joseph Kansema wrote in his Book, “Dominion over satan and his Demons” that arthritis in most cases is caused by the spirit of bitterness, and the spirit of bitterness may enter a person through unforgiveness. Thus, some diseases that have taken over the body, may have their roots in unforgiveness.
Further, research reveals that unforgiveness compromises our physical health, resulting in increased anxiety, depression, cancer, diabetes, low self-esteem, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and weakened immune system, among others. It also causes immeasurable hurts, pains, and sleepless nights. Many of those affected are using alcohol and drugs to alleviate their problems, resulting in addiction. Forgiveness exercises are even now being included in cancer treatment plans for patients.
Today, let’s learn how to forgive so that we may live fruitful lives, just as Christ requires.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, deliver us from the prison of unforgiveness. We pray in the name of Jesus that You cleanse us from all bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice. Help us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as You (God) forgave.
Thank you, Father, for Your deliverance from the power of darkness. Thank You for spiritual empowerment, and physical healing and restoration in our lives, in Jesus’s name we pray, Amen!
Read: Matthew 7:1-2; 18:21-35; Romans 2:1; Ephesians 4:31-32
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 78:56-72; Acts 21:1-26; 2 Kings 3; 2 Kings 4:1-37
