SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2025

An In-Depth Look at Why Releasing Others Is Key to Your Own Freedom and Destiny

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION:

SCRIPTURE: “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:26, KJV)
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The release of the offender is the release of the offended.
DAILY BIBLE READING: Ezekiel 40-42

MESSAGE: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

The journey of life is a complex one, filled with highs and lows, victories and challenges. Along this path, it is inevitable that we will encounter offenses. The Bible makes this reality abundantly clear: “…for as long as you are in this world, offenses must come.” (Matthew 18:7). To live in this world is to be exposed to the imperfections and failings of humanity. The only person who will never be offended is the one who is no longer among the living. The universal truth, “to err is human,” reminds us that human beings are permanently prone to making mistakes and causing offense.

This reality, however, is not an excuse to harbor hurt and resentment. An offense, when not handled with grace, becomes a satanic trap designed for destruction and damnation. It is a spiritual poison that, when left to fester, can corrupt your spirit, hinder your connection with God, and ultimately prevent you from fulfilling your destiny. This is why it is absolutely crucial to deal with the issue of unforgiveness.

The Damaging Consequences of Unforgiveness

To understand the power of forgiveness, we must first recognize the devastating consequences of holding on to an offense. Unforgiveness is not just an emotion; it is a spiritual state with very real and very destructive effects.

1. Unforgiven Iniquity Hinders Your Own Forgiveness: The most direct and severe consequence of unforgiveness is spelled out by Jesus Himself in our foundational scripture: “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:26). This is a spiritual law. It is a mirror principle: whatever measure you use to hold the sins of others against them, God will use that same measure to hold your own sins against you. Your relationship with God is directly tied to your willingness to forgive those who have wronged you.

2. Hindered Access to God in Prayer: Mark 11:25 says, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Unforgiveness creates a spiritual block that hinders your access to God in prayer. You can be in the most beautiful sanctuary, kneel for hours, and use the most eloquent words, but if your heart is filled with resentment, your prayers will not be able to ascend to the throne of grace. Unforgiveness is a spiritual wall that keeps your petitions from reaching the Father.

3. Hindered Access to Grace: The Bible tells us to follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord, and to be careful lest “any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:14-15). A lack of forgiveness is the root of bitterness, and bitterness blocks grace. Grace is the divine power that makes the Christian journey effortless. Where grace is removed, struggle is established. A life of unforgiveness is a life of constant, grinding struggle, as you have cut yourself off from the very power that makes the race of life easy.

4. Bitterness and Unforgiveness Trouble the System: Bitterness is not just an emotional state; it is a spiritual poison that troubles the entire system of a man. It gives the enemy a legal right to bring about afflictions in your life—spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. This bitterness can manifest as sickness, anxiety, depression, and a general lack of peace. The body and soul are intricately connected, and a bitter spirit can literally make you sick.

5. A Defiled Spirit: Hebrews 12:14 states that bitterness “defiles many.” Unforgiveness is a powerful defiling agent. A person who is bitter and unforgiving is walking around with a defiled spirit, which can lead to a polluted conscience, corrupted judgment, and a hardened heart. It makes a person spiritually unattractive and can repel the Holy Spirit, who desires to dwell in a pure vessel.

The Liberating Power of Forgiveness

While unforgiveness is a chain that binds, forgiveness is a key that unlocks a life of freedom, peace, and divine favor. The thought for the day is a powerful summary of this truth: The release of the offender is the release of the offended. When you forgive, you are not doing the offender a favor; you are liberating yourself from the very spiritual prison you have been living in.

1. The Release of the Offended and the Offender: When you release the person who hurt you, you are spiritually cutting the cord that links you to them in a negative, tormenting way. This act of forgiveness is the release of the offended. The classic example of this is Job. His captivity and his suffering turned when he prayed for his friends (Job 42:10). His act of forgiving and praying for them was a spiritual trigger that released him from his own bondage.

2. The Restoration of the Offended: The release of the offender is directly linked to the restoration of the offended. In Job’s case, after he prayed for his friends, the Lord not only turned his captivity but also “gave Job twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10). This shows that forgiveness is a key to restoration. You cannot be restored and remain in a state of unforgiveness. The two are mutually exclusive.

3. The Presence and Power of God Are Activated: The moment Job forgave his friends and prayed for them, God stepped into action. This teaches us that the presence, power, and workings of the Almighty are activated by the action of forgiveness. You can never truly know what it means to feel the power of God in your life if you harbor bitterness and unforgiveness. Your faith, your prayers, and your spiritual gifts will be stifled.

4. The Amplification of the Power of Prayer: When you forgive, your prayers become more forceful and resultful. Unforgiveness is a deadweight on your prayer life. When you release it, your prayers become amplified, gaining new strength and producing more powerful results. Your prayers for others and for yourself will now be able to pierce the spiritual veil without hindrance.

5. The Guarantee of Eternity: Ultimately, the action of forgiveness is crucial for the guarantee of eternity. It is a non-negotiable part of our salvation and our Christian walk. While forgiveness does not grant a license to sin, it is a key component of a righteous, holy, and upright Christian living that prepares us for eternity. Our ability to forgive is a reflection of the forgiveness we have received from Christ.

Putting Forgiveness into Practice

Forgiveness is not always easy; it can be one of the most difficult things to do. But with God’s grace, it is possible.

ASSIGNMENT(S):

Release from your heart, those who have offended you. This is a deliberate, conscious decision. Name them one by one and release them in your heart.
Ask for grace to forgive. If you find it difficult, confess your struggle to God and ask for His help.
Pray for those who hurt you. This is a powerful act of faith that breaks the chain of bitterness. Pray for their salvation, their peace, and their wellbeing.

PRAYER

Lord, I receive grace to forgive my offenders. Help me to guard my heart against the spirit of bitterness, Lord, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Is forgiveness the same as forgetting?

A: No, forgiveness is not the same as forgetting. Forgetting may happen over time, but forgiveness is a conscious decision. It is a choice to release the person who hurt you from the debt you feel they owe you. You may still remember the event, but the emotional sting and power it had over you are gone.

Q2: What if the person who offended me never asks for forgiveness? Do I still have to forgive them?

A: Yes, you do. Biblical forgiveness is unconditional. It is a command from God for your own sake. Forgiving someone who doesn’t ask for it releases you from the torment and bondage of unforgiveness. Their lack of repentance does not give you permission to hold on to a poison that is destroying you.

Q3: Does forgiveness mean I have to trust the person again?

A: No, forgiveness and trust are two different things. Forgiveness is a spiritual act; trust is built on a person’s character and actions over time. You can forgive someone while still maintaining healthy boundaries to protect yourself.

Question and Answer

Q1: According to the article, what is a satanic trap for destruction and damnation?

A: The article says that offense, when not dealt with, is a satanic trap for destruction and damnation.

Q2: What happens when unforgiveness hinders access to grace?

A: When unforgiveness hinders access to grace, it establishes struggle in a person’s life.

Q3: What did Job do that caused his captivity to turn around?

A: Job prayed for his friends, which was an act of forgiveness, and this caused his captivity to turn around.

Q4: What is the main message about forgiveness?

A: The main message is that the release of the offender is the release of the offended, and that forgiveness is a key to freedom, restoration, and a powerful prayer life.