“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16).
Forgiveness is a spiritual matter. It is not just about the simplicity or physicality of what was done by the offender or your choice of forgiving or not forgiving. It is a spiritual matter. It affects your posture and position with God. It can determine whether God would be merciful to you or not (Matthew 5:7). It determines whether your prayers would be answered or not (Matthew 5:23-24, Mark 11:25).
Forgiveness shows whether you have really encountered God or not. It is more like a thermometer that shows your reading with God. It shows your walk with the Lord and your understanding of the Kingdom (Matthew 5:43-48). It reveals you to your world as one of God’s (Philippians 2:14-15). Forgiveness takes Grace but it also releases Grace. One of the Graces that forgiveness releases is the Grace of healing.
A lot of health issues that some people are battling with today are forgiveness related. Yes, holding someone in your heart would affect your health. The Grace of healing and health that should flow in and around your life and body would be short circuited. When you practice forgiveness, your immunity is strengthened. The peace of God garrisons your heart and shields it from wrong or negative flows.
Forgiveness also releases Grace of Favour. Favour eludes those who carry offences around. Forgiveness releases you to fulfil your destiny. You cannot fly when you are holding someone else bound. When you bind others (with unforgiveness) you are also bound. Actually, you are the only person that is bound and not the offender. You cannot bind whom God has set free but you can bind yourself with your lifestyle of offences.
Joseph understood this truth about offences so he was able to fly in purpose and destiny (Genesis 50:19-20). He never kept any offence against his brothers despite the evil they did to him. His future was more important to him than the evils of his brothers. He was quick to let go and let God, so he could flyer. Joseph was free enough to fulfil God’s highest purpose for his life. What about you?
May you receive the Grace to live free, full and fulfilled in Jesus name!
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria