The Messiness of Unforgiveness

This week we are discussing the messiness in unforgiveness.  Unforgiveness is a tricky sin. When we harbor it, it becomes like cancer. And left to itself, it can grow into anger, hatred, and bitterness. Unforgiveness can affect our soul and more importantly our heart.

Forgiveness simply means choosing to relinquish your right for revenge. 

Romans 12:19 says “Dear friends, never take revenge.  Leave that to the righteous anger of God.  For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.” And Deuteronomy 32:35 echoes the same thought “I will take revenge; I will pay them back.  In due time their feet will slip.  Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.”

Forgiveness also helps the other person by releasing them so God can do what only He can do. If I’m in the way—trying to take revenge or take control of the situation myself—God has no obligation to deal with that person. However, if we trust God and choose to forgive, He will take care of the rest. See, the act of forgiving is our seed of obedience to His Word. Once we've sown our seed, He is faithful to bring a harvest of blessing to us one way or another.

So in every area of life, including managing strong emotions and practicing forgiveness, God calls us to be “doers” of His Word, not just “hearers” — even when nothing in us wants to.

And by forgiveness, we are set free. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, not our offender, and this gift opens the door to living with joy.