UnForgiveness: consequences in the life of a Christian
Attention to a weighty matter that can hinder our walk with God: unforgiveness. It is a subtle poison that can seep into our hearts, causing spiritual, emotional, and even physical harm.
1. UnForgiveness Separates Us from God (Matthew 6:14-15)
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14-15 is a stark warning. Unforgiveness erects a barrier between us and God. By refusing to forgive others, we block the flow of God's forgiveness in our own lives.
2. The Heart Fills with Bitterness (Ephesians 4:31)
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." Ephesians 4:31 describes the toxic effects of unforgiveness. It breeds bitterness, resentment, and anger, hardening our hearts and poisoning our spirits.
3. It Hinders Our Prayer Life (Mark 11:25)
"When you stand praying, forgive anyone, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." Mark 11:25 reveals that unforgiveness obstructs our communication with God. Our prayers become hindered, ineffective, and unanswered when we hold onto grudges.
4. It Causes Emotional and Physical Illness (Proverbs 17:22)
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 speaks to the connection between our emotional and physical well-being. Unforgiveness can lead to a crushed spirit, resulting in depression, anxiety, and even physical ailments.
5. It Hinders Our Relationships (Colossians 3:13)
"Bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against anyone, just as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." Colossians 3:13 emphasizes the relational damage caused by unforgiveness. It destroys friendships, marriages, and family relationships, creating division and strife.
6. It Brings God’s Judgment Upon Us (Matthew 18:32-35)
“You wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant?” Matthew 18:32-35, the parable of the unmerciful servant, reveals that God will judge us with the same measure we use to judge others. If we refuse to show mercy, we will receive judgment.
7. It Gives Place to the Devil (Ephesians 4:26-27)
“Be angry, and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Do not give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27 warns us that unforgiveness opens the door for Satan to work in our lives. It gives him a foothold, allowing him to sow seeds of discord and destruction.
8. It Prevents Spiritual Growth (Hebrews 12:15)
"Look carefully lest any man fail of the grace of God, and lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you." Hebrews 12:15 highlights how unforgiveness stunts our spiritual growth. It keeps us trapped in the past, preventing us from moving forward in our relationship with God.
9. It Makes Us Slaves to Hurt (John 8:36)
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36 reminds us that true freedom comes from Christ. Forgiveness releases us from the chains of hurt and allows us to experience the freedom that Christ offers.
10. We Lose the Peace and Joy of the Lord (Philippians 4:7)
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 reveals that unforgiveness robs us of the peace and joy that God desires for us. Holding onto grudges creates turmoil and unrest within our souls.
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Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, unforgiveness is a heavy burden that we are not meant to carry. Let us choose to forgive, just as Christ has forgiven us. Let us release the hurt, bitterness, and resentment, and experience the freedom, peace, and joy that God offers. Let us allow God to heal our wounded hearts and restore our relationships. Amen.
