Have you ever had a desire to nurse a grudge against someone? Have you found yourself strategically avoiding certain people? Have you ever found yourself having a conversation with someone in your head to settle a score with them? Unforgiveness is an extremely tempting way that the enemy binds up many Christian. Choosing not to forgive those that hurt you leads to bondage.
Nelson Mandela once said, “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” The truth of the scripture is that if you don’t release others, the Father won’t release you. Not only will He not release you, He is going to turn you over to demonic tormenters. “And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses” (Matthew 18:34–35).
This means that if we are nursing bitterness or a grudge in our hearts, we are likely under some level of demonic oppression in our lives. The Bible tells us, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). Our bitterness infects not only our lives but the lives of those around us. Bitterness divides many families, churches, and relationships. In fact, I believe bitterness and unforgiveness are the number one reasons for CHRISTIAN BONDAGE.
Bitterness is so bad that also produces physical symptoms. One of the most important problems that medical doctors encounter among patients is that of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. It is a major reason why they don’t heal. It also carries many other consequences. For example, salvation is unconditional but fellowship with the Father is conditional. Justification before God is unconditional but the anointing of the Spirit is conditional. Our status in the family of God is unconditional but our intimacy with Christ is conditional. Our eternal destiny – whether we go to heaven or to hell – is fixed, but receiving an additional reward is conditional.
If you are wondering if you have bitterness in your heart, consider the below self-assessment questions:
- Am I living in a level of isolation?
- Do I find myself being a little punchy or edgy?
- Any eruptions in anger?
- How many people do you choose to sophisticatedly ignore?
- How is my trust level with others?
- Confusion in mind? Oppression of my heart?
- How many people do I just “tolerate”?
Forgiving like Jesus is possible. It means releasing a person for what they did and without them ever knowing what they said about your or did to you was painful. You won’t let that person be afraid of or intimidated of you. When we forgive like Jesus, we will pray for them to blessed with the fullness of life. This type of forgiveness is a life-long commitment. When you forgive this way, these people stay forgiven by resisting the temptation to pick up a renewed offense.
How about you? Do you see areas of resentment and bitterness in your life? The most Christ-like thing you can do is release them the way Jesus has released you…fully!
Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
13 You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)
11 A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.