Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness is the refusal to release resentment and extend pardon to those who have wronged us. Scripture warns that those who refuse to forgive others will not receive forgiveness from God.

Jesus taught in Matthew 6:14-15, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:25 instructs, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." Ephesians 4:32 commands, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." In the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus teaches that those who have been forgiven much must forgive others.

Unforgiveness binds the heart in bitterness and hinders one's relationship with God. Forgiveness is not a feeling but a decision to release the offense to God, trusting Him to judge justly. Believers forgive because they themselves have been forgiven an immeasurable debt through Christ.