Lecture Notes: The Choice of Forgiveness and Its Spiritual Implications

Introduction

• One of the greatest evidences of freedom is healing.
• Unforgiveness binds us, refusing to let the wound heal, and aligning us with God's enemy.
• Galatians 5 and Acts 7 are key Biblical references.

Series Context

• Part of a series titled "A Door is Opening."
• Discusses open doors, strongholds, and bondage, with a focus on unforgiveness as a significant open door for the enemy.

Key Points on Unforgiveness

1. Unforgiveness as a Demonic Partnership

   • Aligns us with Satan, making us more like him and less like God.
   • Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 about the dangers of unforgiveness leading to Satan taking advantage.

2. Bitterness

   • Begins with refusal to forgive; not necessarily caused only by being wronged.
   • Bitterness is an emotional response, akin to a poison that troubles and corrupts.

3. Darkness

   • Unforgiveness equated to hate, which results in spiritual darkness.
   • Blinds us and makes life harder to navigate.

4. Distance from God

   • Unforgiveness disrupts our relationship with God, as shown in Matthew 5:24 and 11:25.

Benefits of Forgiveness

1. Pleasure of the Father

   • Forgiveness aligns with God’s family values and pleases God.
   • Example of personal family values being upheld by children.

2. Peace of Jesus

   • Unforgiveness fuels war; forgiveness brings peace.
   • Jesus left us peace, which must be maintained through forgiveness.

3. Power of the Holy Spirit

   • Unforgiveness is akin to bondage; forgiveness leads to freedom.
   • True healing begins only after forgiveness.

Steps to Forgive

1. Acknowledge Your Own Sin

   • Begin by recognizing your sin to avoid self-righteousness.

2. Receive Forgiveness from God

   • Essential to receive and understand God’s forgiveness.

3. Acknowledge Their Sin

   • Recognize the wrong done by others before God.

4. Extend Forgiveness

   • Offer forgiveness, even if it’s not requested.
   • Acts 7:59-60 shows Stephen forgiving his murderers.

5. Bless Those Who Hurt You

   • Pray for blessings upon those who have wronged you.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to forgive and break free from bondage.
• Invitation to experience the freedom and healing that accompanies forgiveness.

Call to Action

• Stand and acknowledge if you are harboring unforgiveness.
• Follow through the steps of forgiveness and seek God’s Spirit for healing and peace.