FORGIVENESS: THE KEY TO ANSWERED PRAYERS 1
MAY 11, 2026
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)
Forgiveness can be defined as the act of letting go of past hurts, offences, or misdeeds.
We are all humans, and no one is an angel. Offences are bound to happen. How we handle such offences emotionally goes a long way.
Apostle Peter, during one of his numerous inquisitive moments, asked Jesus Christ if he could forgive anyone who hurt him just seven times. However, Jesus cut him short, asserting that he had to forgive 490 times per day. It would take a great level of mental disorder for a person to keep a meticulous record of even 20 offences committed against him by a single person in one day. In essence, that statement by Jesus Christ is figurative. It simply entails that believers are expected to forgive one another at any given time, having no regard for the extent or severity of the offences committed.
As believers, we ought to understand that forgiveness is not optional for a healthy Christian life. Harbouring a person’s sin in your heart is highly improper spiritually.
KEY FACTS ABOUT UNFORGIVENESS
- It can inhibit or impede spiritual growth. It is unbecoming of a believer to fast, pray, attend church services, and participate generally in church events, yet still harbour resentment, hatred, and bitterness towards those around him. (Hebrews 12:15)
- Sin can create a lacuna or loophole in one’s relationship and communion with God. It causes total separation between God and man.
- Bitterness grows gently like a root underground. Just one act of offence can give birth to anger, malice, revenge, hatred, etc.
- Forgiveness reflects God’s character. Christianity is centred around God’s forgiveness through Christ. Therefore, he who is unforgiving is certainly not of God.
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, in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE READING: 2 Chronicles 15-17, Titus
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
