Daily Devotion (20. 11. 2021) – Victory Over Unforgiveness

Forgiving others for their wrongdoings allows us to have genuine fellowship with them and with God.

Matthew 6:1-15

Immediately after teaching His followers how to pray, Jesus warned that those who refuse to forgive others won’t be forgiven by the Father. Do not misunderstand Jesus’ meaning here—believers don’t lose their salvation when they refuse to forgive. Rather, they break fellowship with God because their attitude gets in the way of regular confession and repentance. 

Often people don’t feel like being merciful to someone who has wronged them, but forgiveness is an act of the will more than an act of the heart. Take responsibility and acknowledge your unforgiveness as a violation of God’s Word. Claim the divine mercy He offers, and ask Him to enable you to lay aside anger and resentment against others. Try praying for those who hurt you, and if God so leads, seek their forgiveness for your wrong attitude.

A resentful spirit can grow into a terrible burden that isn’t healthy to carry through life. Forgiving characterizes who we are in Christ, and it’s truly in our best interest to pardon others, even when difficult. Jesus promised to make us free (John 8:36), so choose to be liberated from your hurt.

Resource: https://www.intouchaustralia.org/