The world’s worst prison is the prison of an unforgiving heart. If we refuse to forgive others, then we are only imprisoning ourselves and causing our torment.
Jesus warned that God cannot forgive us if we do not have humble and repentant hearts. We reveal the true condition of our hearts by the way we treat others.
In the parable of the unforgiving servant, Peter asked the LORD how often he should forgive his brother’s sin against him. He asked, “Should I forgive him? Up to seven times?” The LORD Jesus’ replied, “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
Listen, I truly know that it’s hard, sometimes very hard to forgive someone who has done you so badly that it rocks your world. The last thing you can think of is to forgive them or have someone who was not hurt in the mix-up say, you should forgive that person. Been there and spent the night!
Here it comes … however, nothing, nor anyone is worth you, spending eternity outside of heaven. When we stop and think back over our own lives, there may have been a time or two when we messed up, and just as the Master of the servant in the Bible had compassion and forgiveness upon him, then we must dig deep and find that compassion too. It may take a whole lot of praying, but if we ask of God, He will provide us with a heart to forgive.
With a heart of repentance, we can gladly forgive those who have said, done or hurt us in any way.
Today, search your heart and see if there is anything you hold against another, if so, let it go. Forgive with all sincerity, and please do not allow “that seed of unforgiveness” to make you miss heaven!
Blessings,
Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes
WSB | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/THE-UNFORGIVING-SERVANT-e2gjijm
The Church Within You! 