THE WALK
PART 19

THE WALK OF FORGIVENESS IV

Some might say, now brother, I am not offended at anyone and neither do I have any unforgiveness so all of this does not really apply to me. Well, if you have a clean heart toward all people then I rejoice with you and your victory over these snare traps of sin. But noticing the response these articles have been receiving, evidently there are many who live with a “deceptive” type of unforgiveness where they do not even realize they have “issues” buried deep within their conscience. If we do a biblical research of God’s holiness we will see that He never overlooks even the tiniest transgression. We will notice the common expression called, “sin in the camp” and how the hidden iniquities hinder the entire atmosphere and everything that is attactched to it. Likewise we are reminded that just a fraction of leaven has a huge impact on the entire lump. In this light we cannot spiritually “afford” to discard even the possibility of buried anger or hard feelings. Here are a few examples:

Have you been offended at pastors, deacons, church members, song leaders or teachers? Has the church disappointed you to the point of holding a grudge? This is unforgiveness.

Those who have fought in war may still hate the enemy and hate is a very serious emotional cancer that can eat you alive. Forgive them, and give it over to God. Allow Him to wash your mind and cleanse your heart. Counseling might help.

Those who have been the victim of a crime or had family members that were victims may hate the ones who committed the acts against them including anyone they believe were connected or could have prevented it.

Everyone that has had a divorce must be careful not to secretly hate or resent the ex-spouse. The “blame game” can plant deep seeds of hate. Realize that carnal humans are destructive.

Some who are married now may have deep, hidden resentment toward their spouse for things they do – or refuse to do. On the outside we can smile but what is churning on the inside? Talk with your spouse and spill everything out. If two people love each other they will really want to please the other one.

Many children grow up harboring hatred against their parents, siblings or family members which has a huge effect on their adult lives. When you release them – God will release you.

Most everyone criticizes the government everyday and many are planting seeds of hate within their heart against those in authority. Where does this constant anger and negativity go? Directly into our subconscience and into our body.

Some people hate violent terrorist and all those connected to certain religions that celebrate violence. Are we to hate them as they kill us? No. Persecution is simply a result of people hating God and those who love Him. Love keeps us pure and innocent.

Many people even Christians have been raised in ignorant predjudice and have incorporated hatred within their conscience disguised as justified racial supremacy. This is a deadly sin. The transformation of our mind is evidence of genuine salvation.

Some people are so politically stimulated they hate all other representations of world views except their own group. This is also true of those who hate all other religious groups except those who agree with their own theology. Do you love and pray for those who do not believe exactly like you? Why not?

Being treated unfaily at work causes deep wounds. This pain can lead to unforgiveness which leads to living in a bad mood. If we are not careful unforgiveness can change who we are, the way we think, what we say and how we view everything.

Childhood situations are very real and the hurt goes very deep. Those who have experienced adolescent family dysfunctions have the freewill to hold tightly to these memories. This agony can “infect” our emotions and lead to serious adult problems.

What about all the people who have failed in life or at least believe they have. These thoughts of guilt bring depression and this leads to being angry at oneself. If this negativity is allowed to grow it can result in unforgiveness toward ourself. We can try to hide it or ignore it – but we need to forgive our own heart.

Of course one of the most serious areas of unforgiveness is toward God. No matter what happens in this life we cannot afford to have “hard feelings” toward the Lord. He has been blamed for committing acts, allowing them or NOT stopping them. But we must forgive Him so that He can forgive us.

We have been referring to everyday life crisis but let’s consider some more common examples of people who have felt the deep pain of personal hurt and how they must fight a very strong internal war against the demons that desire to keep them spiritually bound with a root of bitterness. For example take three specific groups of peoples; The American Indians, the Negros and the holocaust Jews. All are familiar with unforgiveness and we can clearly see these “real life” stories as examples we can understand. The younger generations have heard the horror stories and (with Satan instigating and provoking them to anger) have had time to “meditate” about what was done to their families and how their own lives have been influenced and changed because of the hate and violence against their loved ones. And true, it would be very difficult to not have hatred in our heart, in fact – so hard that they (and us) definately cannot do it without God’s strength. But, if anyone chooses to forgive and sincerely cries out for God’s assistance, He will be more than willing to bring healing in such a powerful emotional – spiritual crisis. In one of the most awesome illustrations of pure love, Jesus leads by example as he was being tortured by crying out to God the Father, “Please forgive them for they do not know what they are doing”. Jesus knew there was no place in His character for resentment or bitterness and that we would have to learn this crucial lesson if we desired to become like him in every way. Actually the closer we walk with Him the more we will be rejected which means love and forgiveness must be at the forefront if we are to WALK the Christian path. This is exactly why the dark side works overtime trying to get us twisted up and tied up in knots because He knows that unforgiveness can literally hinder the progression and effectiveness of the entire kingdom of light. Selah.

Father, we are aware of your holiness. We realize you desire for us to be pure vessels of honor so that we can serve you and bring glory to you. Forgive us now, for all unforgiveness in Jesus Name. Purify our heart and refine us as pure gold. Forgive us for being offended in any way toward another person – especially you. Please forgive us for any resentment, hatred, or harsh feelings we have kept in our heart. We release these irritations and frustrations to you. We lay down our burdens and these problems to you in Jesus Name. We know you are listening to our sincere repentence and we believe you are washing us clean right now with your blood. We pray for those who have hurt us and ask that you would open their eyes that they might see your love and accept you as their Lord. Love them and forgive them for they do not understand your word or your ways. Father, give them the revelation of your love. Thank you for revealing your will, setting us free, restoring our joy and our closeness to you and re-filling us with your Holy Spirit. We worship you and in you we place ALL our love and trust, amen.

“Therefore, I say unto you, whatsoever you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them.” (Mark 11:24)

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (I John 5:14)

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him: and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

“And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:15)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)

“If you abide in Me and My Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7)

“The Lord is near unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desires of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them.” (Psalm 145:18-19)

“When you lie down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)

“As a person thinks and believes in their heart – so are they.” (Proverbs 23:7)