Point of Repentance: Unforgiveness
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Scripture:
Matthew 6:15 If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
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Observation:
Jesus says in Luke 17:1 that, “It is impossible that no offense should come.” Whether it be through traffic, a rude stranger, or worse, someone you care about violating your trust through betrayal, the opportunity to become offended is everywhere. It is one thing to be hurt by someone or a situation, it is quite another to be offended and refuse to forgive. Unforgiveness occurs when we desire that the offender be punished, and we hold on to the slight, removing our agape love, and judge the person unworthy of God’s redemptive grace.
Whether it be a misspoken unkindness, or a deep violation, we must remember that God is the judge, not us. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:7 that only the merciful will find mercy. The parable of the unforgiving servant found in Matthew 18:21-35 is a very clear picture of this principle. We don’t forgive because the other person deserves it. We forgive because God is merciful and we don’t deserve it. Another’s sin against us is nothing in comparison to our sin and rebellion against a holy God that sent the Darling of Heaven to the cross.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
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Application:
Staying free from offense and unforgiveness is not easy. In fact, it is impossible from a human perspective. Especially when you consider all the evil, darkness, and selfishness in the world and people around us. The only way to walk in freedom, mercy, and forgiveness is to remain is the love of God and humbling ourselves before Him. God forgave us through Christ, so we should forgive others. He is the Judge, not us. Romans 12:19 makes this point clear, “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (NKJV).
It has been said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Be free. Let go. Trust God. Lay down your offenses and walk in the freedom of the love of God. Walk in the discipline of forgiveness that forgives an offense even before it is committed as we surrender to God’s will, trusting that He will set all things right in His time.
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Prayer of Repentance:
Lord, I love You and I thank You for today. I repent for any and every area of offense and unforgiveness in my heart that I have held on to. Be merciful to me and help me to show mercy to others. I don’t want my soul to be sick from the poison of unforgiveness anymore. Forgive my heart that I have hardened to protest my wounds. Jesus, I ask that You heal me as I trust in Your judgements and timing. I need Your help in this area. I want to be free. Holy Spirit, I ask that You would expose any area of offense and unforgiveness and give me the strength to forgive and love with Your love. Please don’t allow me to allow someone else’s sin to block Your love, forgiveness, and blessing in my life. Amen.
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Worship: