The other week it was windy and cold outside. As the wind got stronger, I noticed off in the distance that the sky grew darker from the sand and debris the wind was kicking up. As the day went on, the dark sky grew closer. By early afternoon as I was driving, I could not see the mountains and there were tumbleweeds blowing across the street. The day became cold and dreary with the mountains feeling far away.
There are times in our life we feel far off from God, like there is a storm between us and Him. It keeps us from basking in the warmth and comforting love of God. As I’ve talked with people who have felt far off from God, I have often found the cause is unforgiveness in their heart. When we go before God in prayer to repent from our sins and ask Jesus into our lives, we are forgiven of all our sins. The Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 – NKJV).
The Bible also tells us we are to forgive those who have sinned against us: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15 – NKJV).
I share these verses with people and explain the importance of forgiveness. Many times, the response I get is if I forgive them for what they did to hurt me I let them off the hook. I share with them the following example: I say something that offends and causes you to be mad at me and for the next 2 weeks you keep thinking about what I said. You stay mad at me for that 2 week period. Who is hurt during that 2 week period? You are the one who is hurt, and you allow what I said to keep hurting you. There are times we are upset or angry with someone and they don’t even know it.
Forgiving others stops them from hurting you. They are still accountable to God for the sins they have committed and the hurt they have caused you. When you forgive someone, you are doing what God commanded you to do: forgiving them.
Unforgiveness in your heart also leads to anger and bitterness. That affects every aspect of our lives. It causes a strain on relationships, keeps you from enjoying the present as you stay focused on the past. And anger and bitterness left unresolved can cause serious health issues.
The author of the Book of Hebrews addresses this: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” (Hebrews 12:14-15 – NKJV).
Tim Hammond is the pastor of Oak Street Baptist Church in Kingman, AZ.
