The Benefits Of Forgiving Others

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22)

When you forgive, you're the one who benefits. Not to forgive places you at a serious disadvantage and as a child of God, you should act like your heavenly father, who never recalls your offences.

The first benefits of forgiving others is that you keep the door firmly closed against the devil. When you don't forgive, you open the door to bitterness and malice, both of which are satan's keys to entering a person's life. The Bible says "If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don't give the devil a chance" (Ephesians 4:26-27 GNB)

The second benefit of forgiving others is that when you do, the power of God in your life continues to flow unhindered. Remember that God is love and His power functions in the atmosphere of love. But when you don't forgive others, malice can creep in, which can short-circuit the power of God in your life. This was what happened to the Prophet Elisha in the Bible (2 Kings 3). Elisha was so angry and bitter against the King of Israel that he couldn't hear what the Spirit was saying. He had to call for a musician to play so that the annointing could come on him.

Lastly, forgiving others will keep you in good health! People who harbour unforgiveness in their hearts are susceptible to sickness and disease. The bitterness in their hearts affects their physical bodies and manifests as infirmity. The reason some people are sick and miss out on God's blessings is that they refuse to forgive. So, make up your mind to always forgive those who have wronged you.

If you forget how good God has been to you, you may find it difficult to forgive others when wronged. But when you appreciate the mercy you received from the Lord you'll find it easier to have mercy and forgive others when they've wronged you.

Confession

I am a love-child of a love-God, born of my Father's love and with the capacity to love just like Him. I am tender-hearted, merciful and forgiving just like my heavenly Father. I refuse to allow malice and bitterness take root in my heart because I have the capacity to overlook the faults and shortcomings of others, in Jesus' Name. Amen



Rhapsody of Realities - October 6,2008
-Pastor Anita Oyakhilome