MARK 11:25 (AMP)
“Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go] so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoing [against Him and others].”
When we are hurt, we often want to take revenge or make the person pay us back for the harm they caused us. Worse yet, we might even secretly want something terrible to happen to them or encounter suffering for what they did to us. We could even stoop down and do hurtful things like give them a piece of our mind, cut relationship, gossip about them to others, or slander their character.
We may also do things that are unhealthy to our own spiritual wellbeing. Things like rehearsing the offense over and over in our mind like a song stuck on replay. If left unchecked, these thoughts can become toxic and eventually affect our health and state of wellbeing. Many sicknesses and diseases, like arthritis, can be linked back to unforgiveness. The Bible is clear that we are to freely forgive, just as our heavenly Father has forgiven us. This is non-negotiable. The Lord does not ask that we forgive others, He commands it.
If you are struggling to forgive someone, know that you can’t do it in your own strength. It takes the supernatural power of God to enter your heart to enable you to do something beyond your personal limitations. Also know that you can forgive, no matter how bad you hurt, because God would not command you to do it if you were not able. You may feel this is beyond what you can bear because of the wounds of the past, but I want to encourage you that with man it’s impossible, but with God, all things are possible! If you are stuck in the pit of bitterness, ask the Holy Spirit to help you forgive from your heart. You may not feel like you have forgiven the offender(s) once you pray, but forgiveness is a choice that you make in obedience to God’s word. It is done by faith, and you can’t rely on an emotional experience as a gauge. When you release forgiveness, pray for blessings over your enemies and release them to God. In time, the Lord will heal your emotions and change your heart towards them. As you walk in forgiveness and refuse to pick up the offense again, you will overcome the trap of the enemy to work darkness against you from the open door of unforgiveness.
There is freedom and healing found in forgiveness! Whatever happened in the past, let it go! It’s not worth holding on to that offense. Unforgiveness is bondage and keeps you in prison, not the offender. Do yourself a favor and truly forgive. If there are people in your life that you need to forgive, say the following prayer, and embrace your freedom today!
Lord, I forgive _____ for all the ways they have hurt me. I release them to you and bless them in Jesus name. Heal my emotions and heart and set me free. Thank you for empowering me to truly forgive.
