I Forgive You – Concluded

Have you ever prayed and felt as though your prayers went unanswered; that your prayers only went as far as the ceiling? There are many reasons for hindered prayer; however, one of the reasons may be due to unforgiveness. In Psalms 66:18, the psalmist wrote:

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

Again harboring unforgiveness is a sin! Therefore if we do not address unforgiveness immediately, it could hinder God from hearing us. Forgiveness is part of the model Jesus gave in Luke 11:2-4:

“Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
 Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” 

Forgiveness is so important in our relationship with the Lord that He also commands us to deal with those who may have an issue with us. We may be fine, but unforgiveness may reside with the other person. We have a responsibility as Christians to handle any unresolved issues. If we have the Spirit of Christ in us, our desire is for reconciliation and forgiveness. We do not want to give the enemy any opportunity to cause strife. The Lord said in Matthew 5:23-24:

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

So whether it is offerings of prayer or material offerings, the Lord instructs us to reconcile relationships otherwise it will dampen our relationship with Him. The Lord questioned how are we able to say genuinely that we love Him who we don’t see, but show contempt in your heart for our brother that we do see. The Lord calls us liars if we believe and walk in that.

Forgiveness is a powerful key. When used it unlocks the door to healing and restoration. When saying the phrase, “I forgive you”, it’s as though a huge boulder that we once carried has been lifted off our shoulders. All the hurt, disappointments, and pain we once felt melts away. It is a tremendous feeling! I’ve heard many say that saying, “I forgive you”, is not for the person that sinned, but for the person who was sinned against. I believe forgiveness is for both. Once the key is used and door is open, the only outcome expected, especially for those who are in Christ, is liberation.

 

Revenge is natural.
Forgiveness is supernatural.

Paul W. Carlin, Th.D, Ph.D. of The Therapon Institute

Scripture References: Psalms 66:18; Luke 11:2-4; Matt 5:23-24; 1John 4:19-21
Additional References: http://www.annemurchison.com/forgiveness.htm