The Lie of Unforgiveness
Forgiveness is the foundation of our faith, for all, have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but God sent His Only Son, Jesus, to be a sacrifice for our sins, so we could be forgiven. And because of this, God expects those who have been forgiven to forgive.
My forgiveness journey didn’t happen all at once. It happened in stages led by the Holy Spirit. His grace gave me the ability to supernaturally forgive at some points. And then God Himself led me to books, workshops, visions, and to the altar at church to help me release forgiveness at other points. If we ask for His help, He will lead us to the path of freedom, because He is freedom.
The Process of Forgiveness
Forgiveness may happen in a variety of ways. I remember times when He would bring a thought to my mind while I was sitting in the middle of traffic or standing at the sink washing dishes. He was asking me to forgive a certain person in a certain situation.
It isn’t always the big things in life. It can be the smaller things that bring offense. It happens because we are human, but we must be aware of what is going on in our hearts to protect them. Not in an overprotective way (like shriveled-up grape hearts), but in a way that keeps them clean of offense, unforgiveness, and bitterness.
Scriptures
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14 ESV
Discussion Question
How does unforgiveness limit us from experiencing love fully?