Let’s first look at the fact that when you do not forgive you are imprisoned. Matthew 18:55 says, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” In the text, a man who was forgiven by his master did not forgive his fellow servant and threw him into prison, only to be thrown into prison himself by his master.
The fact is that when you do not forgive others, you put yourself in prison. The problem with being in prison is that freedom is non-existent. You are told what time to get up, what time to go to bed, what to do when to do it and how to do it. There are bars and rules that keep you from others and them from you.
I imagine that the worst parts of prison are not being able to trust others and not being able to be embraced physically, spiritually, or emotionally. You are alone, locked away, and unable to engage with those who are in your life. Touching becomes a thing of the past, trust does not exist, and caring and sharing are unavailable. This cuts you off from the most wonderful things in life – those things that are brought about by freedom.
The second condition that is evident in those who are imprisoned in unforgiveness is that other people affect your choices and dictate your life. You are unable to go where you want to go because you might run into the wrong person. Unforgiveness prevents you from being free to move about. If you go to the store and see the wrong person, it throws your day into a tizzy. You can no longer attend your church or go to a gathering because that person you have aught against will be there.
While living in unforgiveness your freedom is stripped from you. Someone other than God or you are running your life and your thoughts are consumed by vengeance, malice, getting even, and never forgetting the offense. These are thoughts that forbid you from thinking pleasant, creative, invigorating, wholesome, Biblical, and enjoyable thoughts. You cannot think about two things at one time. Make a choice to free yourself to think good thoughts. Do not let the unforgiven rule your life.
The third and worst condition we put ourselves in is that we make ourselves bigger than GOD.
God is always ready, willing, and able to forgive. If we ask God, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Get a hold of yourself and come to your senses. Remember, you are made in the image and likeness of God. You are designed by God to forgive like God.
If you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven. You really do not want any of these three conditions in your life. With unforgiveness, these conditions are guaranteed to be ever-present. With forgiveness as your lifestyle, you will be free of these conditions and the many others that we do not have time to cover.
Stay free, walk in forgiveness and allow yourself to enjoy the other beautiful people in this world. Allow yourself to be all God has called you to be.
Bill Krause is devoted to enhancing the top quality of everyday life for folks. He has been highly productive in helping others defeat weaknesses and constructs their strengths, motivating them to be all they can be. A robust leader in his community for over 20 decades, Bill provides a down-to-earth technique for how everyday people today can lead extraordinary lives. For Several of us, Bible Forgiveness is a Regular Necessity. Forgiveness is Like Medication, To Be Taken When Desired.
