Nothing keeps a person down more than unforgiveness. It’s like a poison. A weight on your very soul. A ball and chain around your ankle. Unforgiveness is like carrying around an extra 200 pounds.
I know we’ve discussed forgiveness a little, but I have found we can never discuss it enough.
I can’t tell you how many people will strong arm any idea that suggests that they might be carrying unforgiveness in their hearts.
So often people say, “I’ve already forgiven (so and so).” I always respond with, “Well, if it’s coming up again, it wouldn’t hurt to forgive again because you never know.”
I used to respond with pride too, until I realized how foolish it is.
If you have forgiven, fine. But would it really hurt to pray over it again if God brings it up? He just might know something that you don’t. Our hearts are deceptive, remember?
Praying forgiveness over something multiple times, pulls out the splinters of the event. Sometimes pain leaves splinters. Splinters don’t seem to be a big deal at first, but they will become infected over time if left unattended. The space that splinters occupy becomes inflamed and much more painful than we could ever imagine. Infected splinters make pain radiate. It’s a way more intense type of pain. But, it’s amazing how instant the relief is when they are removed.
Yes, forgiveness leads to resurrection.
We want to be fully alive, don’t we?! I know that I do!! Come alive dry bones!
What was once held in the grave by splinters of offense can now be moved out into the light. You can grow again. You can truly live. Mature. Become who you were meant to be.
Rise up! Rise up!! Come out of the shackles and be free.
Today I encourage you to examine yourself. Bring your whole heart into the Light and ask God if there is any unforgiveness in you. No matter what He brings to mind, I challenge you to offer forgiveness right then and there. Don’t try to shrug it off and say, “I’ve already forgiven that.” If God brings it to mind, then obviously there is more forgiving to do.
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
365 Days in the Presence 