Mark 11:22–26 clearly teaches us that unforgiveness hinders our faith from working, so we can conclude in contrast that forgiveness enables faith to work for us. The Father can’t forgive our sins if we don’t forgive other people (see Matthew 6:14, 15). This is an illustration of the biblical law stating that we reap what we sow (see Galatians 6:7). Sow mercy, and reap mercy; sow judgment, and reap judgment. Sow forgiveness toward others, and reap forgiveness from God.
There are still more benefits of forgiveness. For one, I’m happier and I feel better physically when I’m not filled with the poison of unforgiveness. Serious diseases can develop as a result of the stress and pressure that result from bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Our fellowship with God flows freely when we’re willing to forgive, but unforgiveness serves as a major block to communion with God. I also believe it is difficult to love people while hating or harboring anger toward others. When we have bitterness in our hearts it seeps out in all of our attitudes and relationships. It is good to remember that even people we want to love may suffer when we hold bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. For example, I was very angry and bitter toward my father for abusing me and I ended up mistreating my husband who had nothing at all to do with the pain I had encountered. I felt that someone needed to repay me for the injustice in my life, but I was trying to collect from someone who could not pay and had no responsibility to do so. God promises to pay us back for our former trouble if we turn the situation over to him, and if we don’t, then we allow Satan to perpetuate our pain and take it from relationship to relationship. Forgiving our enemies sets us free to move on with our lives. Finally, forgiveness keeps Satan from getting an advantage over us (see 2 Corinthians 2:10, 11). Ephesians 4:26, 27 tells us not to let the sun go down on our anger or give the devil any such foothold or opportunity. Remember that the devil must have a foothold before he can get a stronghold. Do not help Satan torture you? Be quick to forgive when you are offended.
Think about It
List three benefits that you will receive by forgiving.
