Unforgiveness Is Like Drinking Poison
Unforgiveness is like drinking poison. It kills. It can cause sickness and disease. We won't drink poison from a bottle that's clearly labeled, yet spiritually we ingest poison every time we swallow a grudge. Unforgiveness is everywhere – even in the churches! None of us is immune to criticisms, backbiting, and accusations. Jesus said in Luke 17:1: "It is inevitable that offences will come."
Everyday we face negative situations. We must be realistic: unpleasant things will happen because of the malice of Satan and corruption in people's hearts. The big question is HOW do we deal effectively with offences? Will we become bitter and twisted? Or, will we DO OURSELVES A FAVOR and forgive, so that we can move on with God! Some people are stuck in unforgiveness when they should be further down the road.
It's so important that we learn to keep short accounts with God and people. I cannot afford to let the sun go down on my anger.
"A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a wounded spirit who can bear"– Proverbs 18:13
It is truly unbearable to be around bitter people! My friend, life hurts — but God heals!
Christianity is well-known for emphasis on forgiveness, but what are the benefits of forgiving someone? Three scientifically proven benefits in medical studies:
1. Forgiveness reduces stress.
2. Forgiveness brings reduced pain, increased heart health, and promotes overall good health.
3. Stronger relationships, happiness, PEACE.
In one of His parables, Jesus plainly said that if you cannot forgive, God will give you to the TORMENTORS. Who are the tormentors? Demons! Isn't it amazing that those who came to Yeshua for healing knew sickness and insanity were demonic.
But today many are too "sophisticated" to cast out devils.
Why is it easier to forgive an enemy than a friend? My answer: we expect bad behavior from an enemy but not from friends and family.
R.T. Kendall, a great man of God, was bitter — friends betrayed him, made false accusations; he craved pity and sympathy, but he was shocked when a friend asked, "Have you totally forgiven them?" This question changed his life, and he eventually wrote the book, Total Forgiveness. He gained the grace to greet these people as if nothing had ever happened! Forgiveness sets us free. This is the same unconditional forgiveness Jesus gives to sinners.
What's your story? Who do you need to forgive? Ask God to show you. Forgive somebody now!
In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus touched the raw nerve of every human being when He taught us to pray, "Forgive us our debts, even as we forgive our debtors." We like the first part about being forgiven, but we don't relish the second part about having to cancel the debts of others. However, we MUST forgive like God forgives and forgets — TOTALLY.
But the problem is HOW? The question is not, "Will I forgive, but can I forgive?" If we are honest, "NO! I don't have the power to forgive some things; I don't have that much love." But the Lord can give me the power and supernatural love to enable me to forgive. The Bible says, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." We only can forgive others when we know God's forgiveness. Thank You, Lord Jesus, that Your sinless red blood eternally washes my stains of sin, presenting me clean before God like the white, driven snow."
A few of you may not need to forgive somebody now, but sooner or later, you will. I pray you will remember this message. Jesus stands just outside the door of our hearts, knocking. Will you invite Him in to do what only He can do? Do you want God to cancel your debts? How many will say, "With Your help, Lord, I choose to forgive my worst enemy and also my friends and family! I refuse to carry bitterness."
ABCs of the Gospel: ACCEPT the Lord's forgiveness, BELIEVE Jesus was raised from the dead. CONFESS with your mouth Jesus was raised from the dead. DO unto others as you would have them DO unto you, and do EXPLOITS for the Lord. FORGIVE continually! Bless the Lord, Who welcomes us at His throne without price!
