"Forgiveness Of Former Wounds"

November 16, 2004


A Revelation of the Lord's Love

Last time I checked the Word of God, forgiveness was not just a good idea or concept. In fact, it was a very command of our Father. Forgiveness has been taught, many times, as a good thing to release the burden of an individual's transgression and pardoning them from condemnation or punishment attached to the sinful activity. There is actually a second release that takes place, and that is in the heart of the one who has been wronged. When we do not forgive, it actually begins a root of bitterness that can utterly stop the flow of applicable grace upon our lives.

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

In many ways, to not forgive is just a lack of revelation to what the Word of God says, but also a lack of revelation to the unmerited forgiveness we have received freely from our wonderful and merciful Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. I know it is hard sometimes; I know that it seems justice must be accomplished, but we are not to be a part of that justice as it is not our job. "Vengeance is mine," says the Lord, but even then, since it is His, do not try and invoke this type of response as it usually reveals an unforgiving heart.
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Bitterness vs. Forgiveness

First of all, forgiveness is required by God. Jesus said: "If you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions" (Matthew 6:14, 15). Okay, now read that scripture a few more times; there is no other way to read it, except to say, we cannot be forgiven for our own sins unless we forgive others. That is both a wonderful and frightful scripture to live out. In and of ourselves, we will fail, but, through Him, we can supernaturally live as un-offendable in a world of offenses. We must base our relationships with others on the same criteria on which God bases His relationship with us: love, acceptance, and forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35).

Second, forgiveness is necessary to avoid entrapment by Satan. I have heard this said, by many different counselors, that unforgiveness is the number one avenue Satan uses to gain entrance to believers' lives. Paul encouraged mutual forgiveness "in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Unforgiveness is an open invitation to Satan's bondage in our lives.

Third, we are to forgive like Christ forgave in order to keep our hearts from bitterness. Paul wrote: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:31, 32).


Doing Your Part in Forgiveness

Several years ago, a friend of mine and his wife were in transition. They had decided to help a small church while they were waiting for their next assignment. It became very clear early on that, because of their gifts and talents, they were looked upon as fresh meat to really build this little church up. After a few months, it was very clear to them on the direction they were to go, and guess what? The pastor of this church did not agree with the direction they felt the Lord was taking them, which was to another local church to be planted.

This friend of mine did everything he could to apologize, if there had been a misunderstanding. This local pastor did not accept it and my friend was told that he was forgiven, but that he was never to make contact with this pastor in the future. My friend was offended in many ways by some of the gossip that later took place, but maintained his total forgiveness and even went beyond to, even years later, trying to make conversation to release the root of bitterness in this pastor. Last I heard, was that even now this pastor will not answer his calls for forgiveness, and the bitterness this pastor has had towards him and others has had much to do with the restriction of any growth in his church.
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Setting the Captive Free

Okay, so let's break it down very simply:

Forgiveness = Good and Unforgiveness = Not Good.

Your act of forgiveness will set the captive free, and then you will realize that the captive, many times, was you. Remember that Father is our protector, defender, and justice. Bitterness cannot gain any ground as you release the offenses to the Father and forgive unconditionally in and through Jesus Christ your Lord.

Holy Spirit, I pray that you will bring remembrance to past wounds only to check our hearts for true and full forgiveness to those who have afflicted us. Father, we realize that it is a command and we also realize that if we do not, then even our sins will not be forgiven. Father, of myself, I can do nothing, and in no way have the strength, courage, and obedience to forgive. But, Father, in you and through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in me, I choose to forgive all of them that you have brought to my remembrance, in Jesus' name. I even go further and ask you to bless them that did this to me and make yourself known to them Father, in Jesus' mighty name, Amen!
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by Robert Ricciardelli
www.vision2advance.com
Robert@vision2advance.com?

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