UNFORGIVENESS
Matthew
18:21-36
Devotional:- “Should you
not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?”
(V. 33) NKJV
Sometimes it is
painful when we have to forgive someone who has done something hurtful to us. This
is because we believe he had done it out of a wicked heart and needs to be
repaid with the right coin. That is why some people will even go to the point
of physical combat. That is, they want to punish their offenders. Because of
unforgiveness, best friends have been separated, many marriages have suffered
divorce, and we have despised people who could be of blessing and help to us.
If God were dealing with us how we deal with others, we would no longer be
alive. If men were God, they would have killed all men.
The story we read
today talks about a servant that was forgiven so much by his master but he did
not forgive his fellow servant. That is the lifestyle of the flesh (Galatians
5:19-21). God will not also forgive them (Matt.6 14-15). To overcome
unforgiveness there is a need to know that it is a sin and a work of the flesh.
And we can’t correct a sinner when we are also sinning. Two wrongs will never
make a right. You must put your flesh under the control of the Holy Spirit
(Galatians 5:16). To overcome the flesh you must keep silencing or put to death
the deeds of the flesh (Colossians 3:5). If you cannot forgive others, you cage
yourself and lose your freedom of joy. It could even cause you sickness. This
is because it grows bitterness in the heart and bitterness produces tension.
You also need to know that if you will not forgive, God will not forgive you of
your sins (Matthew 6:14). Then how shall you escape? God has taught me to
forgive men even before they offend me. Besides, I have realized that people offend
others out of their ignorance. Jesus says, Father, forgive them for they know
not what they are doing (Luke 23:34). Whatever that person did was done because
of his low level of understanding. No matter what anyone or group of people has
done to you, release them. Don’t hold them for ransom to ruin your life and
destiny; you could be locking up your miracles. But as you release others you
also will be released. And you Will experience a great peace in your heart.
Your glorious destiny is about to unfold. You won’t miss it.
PRAYER: LORD,
RELEASE YOUR GRACE OF FORGIVENESS UPON ME.
“IT IS ONLY
THE LOW THAT FIGHTS WITH THE LOW”
