The consequences of refusing to forgive impact our spiritual, emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Apart from opening doors to monsters, it ushers in all kinds of afflictions that complicate our conditions. Just like germs thrive in a filthy environment, so monsters and vices proliferate in an unforgiving heart.
When we fail, we gasp for grace but when we are offended, forgiveness can prove a challenge. Our readiness to forgive is often tied to the extent of damage the offense caused us. The more the mess, the harder it is to forgive. Yet, it is when we dip into our pains and find mercy for the offender that we can honestly say we have forgiven. Not by ignoring or trying to forget it. Not that forgiveness makes the offense any less painful, yet the relief of release breaks the power of monsters over our lives and minds and lightens burdened shoulders.
Forgiveness is a conscious effort that costs us. It places a demand on us to be like our heavenly Father who uses our walk with Him to set examples we should emulate. Offense hurts but forgiveness frees the wounded to healing and restoration. Otherwise, offense holds us and keeps the wound alive within even if the surface appears healed. Any scratch on the surface opens the wound all over and it weeps putrefying sores. That is what unforgiveness does to our insides; rottenness and pus. Forgiveness is like fresh clean air that goes into the sores and works the miracle of healing and restoration. Forgiveness binds the broken and sets captives free.
One more point worthy of mention is that besides the healing, the release, and the joy that it bequeaths on the giver and receiver, forgiveness evicts resident monsters and shuts the door in the face of those waiting to take advantage of our failure to forgive. Monsters associated with unforgiveness and bitterness will find no ground for operation in our lives if we are free from offenses. When we refuse to hold offenders or ourselves down, monsters cannot access our strong room. Forgiveness releases power that defeats the enemy and keeps monsters out, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of freedom.
Scripture
In this manner, therefore, pray: our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:9-15.
Prayer
Dear Lord, beautify my life with the grace of forgiveness. May I forgive me without a struggle. And without much ado, may I forgive my offenders. May I never withhold from You, my offenders, or myself, the indisputable blessings of forgiveness. Amen.
Excerpt from Fighting Monsters by Dr. Glory C. Odemene