Forgiveness: A Healing ForceSample

The Key That Unlocks the Door

Do you harbor secret resentment or hatred for someone? Do you relish planning the revenge that you want to take? Today is the day to release that person from your hatred … and free yourself from bondage, too!

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of hatred and the handcuffs of resentment. Forgiveness is the power that breaks the chains of bitterness and anger. Forgiveness brings restoration and healing from rejection. Forgiveness is something that you must freely give before you can experience a healthy spiritual life. 

Forgiveness was one of the major themes in the ministry of Jesus Christ. A very simplistic, one-sentence summary of Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness would be, "If you don't practice forgiveness, it will destroy the quality of your life on earth and guarantee that you never walk through the gates of heaven."

During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, "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)."

Listen to the thundering truth of this verse. If you don't forgive other people, God can’t forgive you. And without God's forgiveness, you will not enter the gates of heaven. 

Forgiveness is a decision that will indeed determine your eternal destiny!

May the Lord bless you and may the Lord keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, giving you His peace. Let forgiveness start a revolution of love from heart to heart, home to home, person to person, family to family, and church to church until this entire world knows that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace and the only begotten Son of God. Lord, give us the courage and strength to obey your Word that we may receive this blessing today. In Jesus’ name, amen.