DEFINITION: To let go of resentment and the right to harm others (to see justice) no matter what people have done to you.
1. UNFORGIVENESS
a) Refusing to extend to others what God has extended to us.
b) It plants a root of bitterness in your heart.
c) It's a choice you make.
d) It involves self inflicted pain.
e) It is a form of self imposed bondage.
f) It keeps you from being the person God wants you to be.
g) It's an act of pride.
h) It's an act of rebellion towards God.
2. CONSEQUENCES OF UNFORGIVENESS
a) You develop an unforgiving, bitter heart.
b) It affects your worship and prayer life. When we hold on to bitterness and unforgiveness, we pray with a divided mind.
c) It affects your giving.
d) Prevents spiritual growth.
e) You cannot have a geniune relationship with the Lord when you deliberately, willfully disobey God.
f) Can have determental effects on your physical life. (some people go to hospital because of the effects of unforgiveness)
g) It affects all relationships. You cannot geniunely love someone when you have unforgiveness.
h) You cannot justify holding on to unforgiveness.
3. HOW DO WE DEAL WITH UNFORGIVENESS?
a) Take it seriously and assume full responsibility.
b) Acknowledge it as sin and confess it honestly.
c) Lay down your anger. Anger controls us because we have empowered that person to control our emotions. Repent and break the soul ties.
d) Ask God to forgive you based on what Jesus did at Calvary.
e) Begin praying for the other person.
f) Ask the other person to forgive you (if they know).
g) Ask God to show you something you can do for them to show you have a forgiving spirit.
h) Be careful not to be ensnared again by the same issues, situations, etc.
4. HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE FORGIVEN THEM?
a) Your feelings are different towards them.
b) You have a genuine concern for them.
c) You are not bound by their actions and behaviour.