Unforgiveness: Torture
Then Peter came to Him and said, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?'
Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant, therefore, fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.
So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.
Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.
Matthew 18:21-35 (NKJV)
Unforgiveness adds torture to your life– torture worse than the offense you’ve suffered:
Torture that endures,
Torture that relives,
Torture that prevents…
The healing, restoration, and rewards your Gracious Father has in Mind for you. Therefore,
Hunt down the demon of unforgiveness. Search him out and cast him away from you. I don't know what you’ve suffered (or from whom). God surely does!
If you’ve forgotten (but not forgiven), I ask God to bring it back to your mind, so you can say it out loud: “I forgive” (whoever for whatever).
If you don’t feel it, say it anyway. Who’s the recipient of this notice? Satan: the power behind the evil.
Gradually, you’ll feel a weight lifting.
Gradually, you’ll feel your heart healing.
Gradually, mourning becomes dancing.
NOTE: When your old grievance starts to ache again (and an angry thought starts to flare again), cast it to God, as often as needed… until this demon leaves you completely and God fills all your hurt places with love.
Forgiveness is a confession of faith: faith that the Father is the perfect Judge… Who makes all things right!
'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning' (Psalm 30:5)... if you forgive.
Unforgiveness: Torture (Part 5)
* For additional comfort and to confirm God's ultimate justice system, read Psalm 37: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2037&version=NIV
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.