God forgives and forgets. How do we handle it when another offends us? Are we forgiving or do we tend to judge? 1 John 1:9 says, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteous.’

If God forgives us and cleanses us when we do wrong, who are we to not forgive others or ourselves when we/they fail? Please note that unforgivness is not just with others. Many of us feel that we are the most forgiving people but if we look deep within, we find that we do not forgive ourselves. We punish ourselves for things that God wants to release us from. Psalms 51:4 says, ‘Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned. And done what is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou art justified when Thou doest speak and blameless when Thou judge.’

When we sin, we sin against God. Yes, we involve someone else and it is important to seek out that person and ask forgiveness but it is God that our sin is against and we must go before Him. God will release us from that sin when we ask forgiveness. In the same way, we should release others when they offend us and come for forgiveness. What do we do? We take it to God, release that person from any negative feelings that we might have and seek God as to what to do, if anything, about it. God tells us, ‘If, therefore, you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way, first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.’ Matt 5:23-24

According to these verses, God is saying, I will not accept your offerings and bless them if you are holding something against a brother or sister. We may go to that person and they don’t respond. As long as we have done as we are instructed, we are cleansed before our Father. When we don’t forgive, how does it affect the person that we are not forgiving? In the physical, they may not be affected at all, unless we are talking about them to others. Spiritually, we could hinder God from working in their lives.

Unforgiveness, however, does affect us physically, mentally and spiritually. It affects how God will deal with us. Matt. 6:12 say,‘And forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors.’ So, as we forgive, God will forgive. So, as we forgive, God will forgive.

Does this mean, if we don't forgive, God won't? I am not sure but I do know that I do not want to wait until it is too late to find out. As the saying goes, 'I'd rather be safe than sorry!'

A heart that is free from unforgiveness has time and resources to help others. Unforgiveness will make you weak. We take our offenses and wounds and allow them to control our lives.

I want to be sure, God is very merciful in judging me, so I am learning to be very merciful in the way I judge others. I am very quick to forgive the smallest offense. It will affect my walk and the way God deals with me. Forgiveness is the key to blessings. I want God's blessing in my life.(Mt.7:2)

Forgiveness and repentance will open up our hearts so that the river of God can flow through us and touch others. My goal is to be all God wants me to be and I believe that the most important step is to let go of all unforgiveness and get myself clean before God.

Are there things in our lives that we don't realize need forgiveness or someone that we have not forgiven? Ask God to show you. In my life, I am finding God bringing these things to the surface daily, so that I might give them over to Him and receive His forgiveness or to release someone from my unforgiveness.

It is sometimes the littlest offenses that remain buried. they can cause a big problem in our walk with the Lord. I encourage you today to seek God to clean your house. Let Him bring to mind any unforgiveness in your life. Let Him take you back to the earliest days in your life and clean out the things that you did not realize might be there.

Then, go forth each day and seek God to quicken you when you find yourself letting an offense affect you. Release it to God immediately, and let His love, His forgiveness and His peace flow in and through you. Then, watch as your life begins to change, as you begin to feel more and more His presence, His peace and His joy.

Or Visit Me Christian Chat Room

Back to Inspirations
Back to Main Page