Forgiving One Another

EPHESIANS 4:29-32


Even among believers, an unforgiving spirit causes significant health problems and also hinders peace, joy, relationships, and answers to prayer. It affects every facet of life by corroding the spirit.
People who harbor unforgiveness often say they have confessed and everything is okay. But we can confess and still cling to that unpardoning spirit. Until we emotionally release the other person from the wrong they did, unforgiveness will linger.
The Lord is grieved to see His children hold anyone in emotional debt, because an unforgiving spirit imprisons us. We become paralyzed by our own distrust, resentment, and insecurity. Emotionally disabled, we build walls against further pain, closing out family and friends.
God's goal for us is freedom from bitterness and reconciliation with our offender. To recover from an unforgiving spirit is to exchange a root of bitterness for the tenderhearted, loving acceptance of other people. This can seem quite difficult, but we have a calling from God to forgive. As believers, we have forgiveness in our nature because our nature is that of Jesus. (Galatians 2:20)
The healing process begins with repentance. First, assume responsibility for your unforgiving spirit, and have a change of mind toward the other person. Then, release your hold over the debt you feel is owed. Next, recognize the other person's violation has exposed an area of weakness in you—your resentment and desire for vengeance. Finally, remember how often God forgives you.

~Charles Stanley