We need to make forgiveness a lifestyle. The reality is unforgiveness is downright dangerous. It will make your spirit feeble and your prayers ineffective. Unforgiveness will pull the plug on your faith so completely that you won’t have enough power to move the molehills in your life—much less the mountains. Jesus concluded one of His most powerful teachings on faith with these words, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any…” (Mark 11:25). Jesus didn’t say when you stand praying try to forgive if you can. He simply said, forgive. Period.
Jesus did not suggest that we forgive. He made forgiveness a command. And it would be unjust for Him to command us to do something we could not do. Therefore, we know it is within our ability to obey His command to forgive—no matter what the circumstances. Most people don’t realise it, but unforgiveness is actually a form of fear. Quite often we don’t forgive because we’re afraid of getting hurt again. We’re afraid we will never recover from the damage someone has done to our lives.
You may feel that way right now. But the truth of the matter is, you can rely on the fact that Jesus is anointed to heal the broken hearted and to set at liberty those who are bruised (Luke 4:18). Let the knowledge of the merciful, protective love of God cast out all your fears (1 John 4:18).
If you are a born-again Christian, then you know the power of forgiveness because you’ve already received it! Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price so that you could have a relationship with your Heavenly Father. But sometimes receiving forgiveness is easier than extending that forgiveness to others. Here are three life-changing reasons why you should forgive.
1. Forgive So that You Can be Forgiven
In Luke 6:37 Jesus said, “Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” Pretty clear, isn’t it? The forgiveness you receive from the Lord is dependent on the forgiveness you extend to others. Don’t let unforgiveness prevent you from the freedom you receive through Jesus.
2. Forgive to Protect Your Spirit and Mind
Ephesians 4:30-31 says, “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour.”
Unforgiveness works against your spirit. You grieve your spirit when you hold on to bitterness. Unforgiveness affects how you think, the decisions you make and even how you think about and interact with others. You risk becoming cynical about people’s motives or actions and shutting yourself off from potentially nurturing and healthy relationship.
3. Forgive to Protect Your Body
Unforgiveness also works against your body. Medical science has proven that chronic disease and compromised immune systems can be the result of a person’s failure to deal with emotional pain. Any number of physical complications can result from holding on to offenses…all resulting in possible life-shortening illnesses.
Forgive by faith, not by feelings. Do it the same way you would receive healing or anything else by faith. First, make a quality decision to act on God’s Word.
Let me warn you, forgiveness is not something you try. You make forgiveness a lifestyle. You do it when it’s hard; you do it when it’s easy, you do it all the time! Remember, there’s freedom in forgiveness! Let’s make Forgiveness a Lifestyle!
As always, if you need a partner to agree with you in prayer, submit a prayer request here. Any day of the year, we’re here for you!
