Forgiveness Series Part 1

Through this series, we are also going to hear some stories that are compelling and will hopefully convince you to look at any areas of unforgiveness you are carrying.   We can get rid of the weight and chains of bondage.  

What is forgiveness? To be clear, forgiveness involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger. 

Why is forgiveness so hard? The majority of offenses that occur are not illegal acts, they may be intentional, but they are not illegal and we want justice for being wronged 

We are going to discuss 10 points that illustrate the price we pray when we fail to forgive. 

Here is our first point: Creating Bitterness in our heart 

Hebrews 12 

Story of John still holding onto bitterness against his ex-wife from over 50 years ago

Resentment equals unforgiveness

Unforgiveness is like a plant of rosary pea, which is a flowering plant that produces toxic seeds in our life that we embrace and want to taste.

We often nurture, feed and hold onto unforgiveness losing sight of the danger and damage we are doing to ourselves

Bitter root in Deuteronomy 29: 

When we fail to recognize unforgiveness in our lives, we set ourselves up for disaster.  We cannot allow ourselves to be so deceived by our own heart of unforgiveness.  

Point 2: When we do not forgive, we are not forgiven

John 3 the price Jesus paid so we are forgiven without any cost to ourselves. As a believer, our salvation is the most expensive gift we have ever received.  The costliest thing we are holding onto is our eternal life. If we continue to hold onto our forgiveness instead of giving it away, we are leading ourselves to a path of death.  

In Matthew 6

When we choose not to forgive, we are choosing our own life over the life that Jesus gave for us.  We are creating a separation between us and Him.  

Point 3: When we fail to forgive someone, we stay tied to that someone.

By carrying around the unforgiveness of that person, you are creating a relationship to that person that functions like a warped soul tie. You will stay attached to that sin because you are anchoring yourself to it, instead of giving it to the rightful owner, the Lord.  

Whether you choose to carry it is entirely on you, but it will not hold back the other person.  Your lack of forgiveness is not a punishment on that person, but becomes your own sin tied to that person.  

Over time you will find that those around you do not want to be tied to your unforgiveness.  

We need to make sure we address this so that the Accuser has nothing to hold against us.  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas in your heart where unforgiveness has a place.  

·      If you want to learn more about how to Hear God's Voice, visit our website, lovingconversationssalo.com.  My book, Loving Conversations: How to Pray and Hear God's Voice, available on our website www.lovingconversationssalo.com. 

·      Conference 3/23, Camarillo, CA 8:30-noon, it’s called Restore and it is a Holy Spirit Revival in your heart, if you are in the area, ticket information: email contact@conqueringourunseenenemies.com and I can send you the link.