When a person is offended or wounded, forgiveness is usually not the first word that pops into their mind. Crushed or infuriated, a propensity to justify hanging on to the anger is common. However, to receive freedom in your soul and purity in your hearts, cling to forgiveness. Unforgiveness works like cancer – a deadly disease in the soul that spreads its ugly head and festers other emotional tumors such as bitterness and hatred. Then, it branches out to sabotage other relationships and even causes physical illness. Unforgiveness has a colossal domino effect, unless it is shut down by forgiveness.
It also affects us spiritually. Did you know that unforgiveness and undealt with offense will hinder your prayers. I don’t know about you, but I can’t afford to not have my prayers answered, especially when I pray for my family. In Mark 11:25, Jesus states, “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Forgiving As We Are Forgiven
Forgiveness is a choice. It’s not about our emotions. God will not always supply the mushy feelings for the person and that’s ok. Again, it’s not about feelings, but our willingness to forgive and our obedience to carry it out. I Peter 4:8 states, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” The following is a forgiveness prayer I say… “Dear God, I forgive them for the transgression (name the offense) against me. I ask that you forgive them. Lord remove the sting of the pain and the memories even at the cellular level of my very being. Wash me completely and create in me a clean and pure heart in Jesus name. Amen.”
God may even put it on your heart to do something special for the person. This doesn’t happen in all circumstances, but if God leads you in that direction it will bring healing to your soul. Proverbs 17:9 states, “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.”
PRAY THIS PRAYER:
“O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion. For you Lord are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Father, when I am angry with someone, remind me that I have sinned and fallen short of your glory. Give me a desire and the strength to forgive others. As I choose to forgive them, please fill me with your love, compassion, and peace. In Jesus’ name – Amen.”
