“SPEAK TO THIS MOUNTAIN”

Unforgiveness, fear, bitterness, cynicism, vengeance: these are tools which the enemy uses to infect us, to destroy our peace of mind, to inspire ungodly actions and agendas, and eventually, to destroy our souls.

Unforgiveness blocks our blessings, our good health, our mental clarity, our wisdom, our ability to hear God’s voice. It keeps us enslaved to the people or things which have caused us pain. What we don’t realize though is that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness: but a sign of strength. Forgiving those who hurt us leaves them right in God’s hands, and places us beyond the pain. Forgiveness is actually for us, because without it, God cannot bless us.

GOD REQUIRES US TO FORGIVE

Jesus stresses the importance of forgiveness when He asks us to forgive in the Lord’s Prayer.  In Matthew 6:12 (ESV), Jesus says, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”  And in Mark 11:25 (ESV): “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

The Bible points to many other scriptures which reflect the importance of forgiving:

    • Matthew 5:8 (ESV) – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
    • Matthew 12:31-32 (ESV) – Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
    • Mark 11:22-25 (NIV) “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins
    • Luke 6:27-28 (NKJV) – “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
    • Luke 6:37 – “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

May His word Bless you this morning………