Episode 3-6: Forgiveness Series, Part 1
Welcome Back! I am your host Dawn Simmons, and in this episode of Conquering Our Unseen Enemies we are going to be discussing the first part of a series on forgiveness. Through this series we will go over how a lack of forgiveness can prevent healing and deliverance, we will discuss the benefits of forgiveness, we will talk about what is produced by a lack of forgiveness. Today we are going to start off understanding what unforgiveness is and 10 points to the price we pay carrying it around in our lives. Through this series, we are also going to hear some stories that are compelling and will hopefully convince you to look at any areas of unforgiveness you are carrying. We can get rid of the weight and chains of bondage. We have all experienced it and many of us still are carrying it around, so let’s get to it and get rid of it.
As always, let’s discuss our Top Show points:
Series on forgiveness. We will go over how a lack of forgiveness can prevent healing and deliverance,
Today we discussed an understanding what unforgiveness is and we talked about 3 of 10 points to the price we pay carrying it around in our lives.
Through this series, we are also going to hear some stories that are compelling and will hopefully convince you to look at any areas of unforgiveness you are carrying. We can get rid of the weight and chains of bondage. We have all experienced it and many of us still are carrying it around, so let’s get to it and get rid of it.
What is forgiveness? To be clear, forgiveness involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger.
Why is forgiveness so hard? The majority of offenses that occur are not illegal acts, they may be intentional, but they are not illegal and we want justice for being wronged
The ones that hurt the most are those we are closest to, our spouse or our family member. Those are the ones that are deep and hard to overcome.
We are going to discuss 10 points that illustrate the price we pray when we fail to forgive.
Here is our first point: Creating Bitterness in our heart
Hebrews 12
Story of John still holding onto bitterness against his ex-wife from over 50 years ago
Resentment equals unforgiveness
Unforgiveness is like a plant of rosary pea, which is a flowering plant that produces toxic seeds in our life that we embrace and want to taste.
We often nurture, feed and hold onto unforgiveness losing sight of the danger and damage we are doing to ourselves
Bitter root in Deuteronomy 29:
When we fail to recognize unforgiveness in our lives, we set ourselves up for disaster. We cannot allow ourselves to be so deceived by our own heart of unforgiveness.
Point 2: When we do not forgive, we are not forgiven
John 3 the price Jesus paid so we are forgiven without any cost to ourselves. As a believer, our salvation is the most expensive gift we have ever received. The costliest thing we are holding onto is our eternal life. If we continue to hold onto our forgiveness instead of giving it away, we are leading ourselves to a path of death.
In Matthew 6, Jesus tell it to us this way: 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
When we choose not to forgive, we are choosing our own life over the life that Jesus gave for us. We are creating a separation between us and Him.
Point 3: When we fail to forgive someone, we stay tied to that someone.
By carrying around the unforgiveness of that person, you are creating a relationship to that person that functions like a warped soul tie. You will stay attached to that sin because you are anchoring yourself to it, instead of giving it to the rightful owner, the Lord.
Whether you choose to carry it is entirely on you, but it will not hold back the other person. Your lack of forgiveness is not a punishment on that person, but becomes your own sin tied to that person.
Over time you will find that those around you do not want to be tied to your unforgiveness. Your circles will shrink of people willing to listen or carry on your burden, not because they don’t love you, but because the healthy alternative is to release that person, give it all to the Lord, gain your freedom in Him and move forward in your life with the Lord by your side.
We need to make sure we address this so that the Accuser has nothing to hold against us. As we continue through this series, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas in your heart where unforgiveness has a place.
We encourage you:
· To have an active Bible reading plan, if you want a personal relationship with the Lord, you need to be active about reading His word.
· If you want to learn more about how to Hear God's Voice, visit our website, lovingconversationssalo.com. My book, Loving Conversations: How to Pray and Hear God's Voice has helped so many people in their relationship with the Lord, check out the testimonials. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Walmart. Those are also available on our website www.lovingconversationssalo.com.
· Follow us in Instagram, @conqueringourunseenenemies
· Conference 3/23, Camarillo, CA 8:30-noon, it’s called Restore and it is a Holy Spirit Revival, if you are in the area, ticket information can be found in show notes or on our Instagram pages, email, contact@conqueringourunseenenemies.com and I can send you the link.
I have enjoyed our time this week and look forward to spending time with you again next week!