FORGIVENESS: THE KEY TO ANSWERED PRAYERS 2
MAY 12, 2026
TOPIC:
TEXT: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
Yesterday, we discussed the power of forgiveness in the Christian community and the various ways in which unforgiveness can jeopardize our spiritual journey.
Today, we shall round off by talking about biblical characters who demonstrated forgiveness, as well as the benefits of forgiveness.
BIBLICAL CHARACTERS WHO DEMONSTRATED FORGIVENESS
- Jesus Christ: Our LORD and Saviour is our foremost example. Jesus demonstrated forgiveness on several occasions. He prayed for His enemies who caused His death on the cross. He forgave Simon Peter for denying Him and even for going back to his fishing trade after Jesus died. (John 21:3, John 14)
- Joseph: Joseph was brutally oppressed by his own brothers because they were afraid of his potential dominance over them. They even went ahead to sell him into Egypt, not knowing that it was a predestined event. Joseph forgave them and urged them not to be angry with themselves because their actions were predestined by God.
- Stephen: Stephen was being stoned to death by men who were loyal to Saul (Paul). Despite all these, he kept praying for all those who facilitated his death. (Acts 7)
- Esau: Esau was deeply cheated by his brother (albeit through divine orchestration but via carnal manipulation and trickery). As a matter of fact, he vowed to kill him in Genesis 27, and Rebekah quickly caught wind of it and facilitated Jacob’s speedy escape to the land of Padanaram, where his uncle Laban resided with his family. However, in Genesis 33, we were told that there was a joyful reunion between the two brothers, despite Jacob’s initial fear that his brother might instantly seek revenge.
- David: This man was not labelled a man after God’s own heart for nothing. He truly portrayed himself as a person with a large heart. David could have easily masterminded the death of King Saul. He had two different opportunities: firstly, in the wilderness of Engedi (1 Samuel 24), as well as on the hill of Hachilah, close to Jeshimon in the Wilderness of Ziph (1 Samuel 26). He was even prompted by his men to kill him. Abishai said, “Let me strike him just once, and I will not need to strike him a second time.” However, David refused to yield to their advice on both occasions, preferring instead to leave him to the judgement of the LORD.
EFFECTS OF UNFORGIVENESS
- Prayers get restricted. This is because you cannot pray unto God with bitterness in your heart. You must be light and free from every weight of unforgiveness. We must forgive others because God has also forgiven us. Imagine if God chooses to open the record book of our sins; who can withstand such?
- It can lead to health issues and depression. The more you see the person you have vowed not to forgive, the more embittered you become. This can ultimately lead to depression in the long run.
SEARCHLIGHT: Forgiveness is a core pillar of Christianity. No man can approach the throne of God without possessing a forgiving spirit.
PRAYER: O LORD, take away bitterness from my heart and help me to forgive those who trespass against me, in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE READING: 2 Chronicles 18-20, Titus 3
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
