Like a stone lodged in the mouth of a river, UN-FORGIVENESS will block the flow of His presence. We may feel we are over an offense and then years later, we react, and the pain pours out of us once again. It is shocking at times how easily un-forgiveness can hide and hitch a ride through our lives seemingly undetected for so long … until.
Holding un-forgiveness has several hidden costs. Un-forgiveness has been linked to disease and depression. Just like blushing when we are embarrassed, we have a physical reaction to the toxic emotions we carry on board. Not only is the cost of un-forgiveness personally expensive, but also spiritually. If un-forgiveness blocks the flow of God’s Holy prescience, then it must be important.
Why would forgiveness be so fundamentally important to God?
Read Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
Forgiveness is the foundation of the Gospel.
The entirety of our relationship and the access we have been given is purchased wholly with the currency of forgiveness. How can we expect to be rich with the presence of God when we are bankrupt of the GRACE that comes so freely?
If we want more of His presence, we have to adopt His policy on forgiveness. In doing so, we will create an atmosphere where He longs to dwell! If holding un-forgiveness costs me intimacy with Him, it costs too much. I choose HIM. And He makes me rich in mercy, rich in love. I want to be FULL of the Gospel where I can say “And ALL that is within me, bless His holy name!â€
Take the next 24 hours to meditate on ALL His benefits mentioned in Psalms 103:1-5.
