Finding Freedom in Forgiveness
Blog written by Oceans Board member Danell Czarnecki
The other week I talked about father wounds; and if Father wounds are the source of the majority of our infections; then lack of forgiveness is our biggest source of captivity.
Unforgiveness is the most frequent block to our freedom; it binds us to the past and does not permit healing to flow freely; and will hinder or block the healing power of the Holy Spirit. For one to experience inner healing in its fullness we must release the feelings of anger, bitterness, and judgement we have against others who have hurt us so that we can heal; and our mind, body and soul be restored.
Forgiveness is a spiritual foundation; and is a choice, a decision; and since Scripture requires it; we can believe it is possible for us. We are called to be merciful (Lk 6:36) and forgive others. Jesus tells Peter to forgive 70 – 7 times; I think Jesus meant we are to forgive limitless times because He knew it would be our captor if we did not.
Forgiveness is not forgetting; forgiveness is coming to peace and living with the consequences of another person’s sin and brokenness. It’s often our willingness to forgive that is lacking; because we feel justified. I believe the “root” of unforgiveness has to do with a lack of trust in God. We hold tightly to unforgiveness because we feel like we are the only one who is concerned about justice coming to the person who wronged us. It’s important to know that forgiveness of our offender does not take the person off God’s “list”. God is just! On the contrary, forgiveness sets us free; God promises to take care of those who offend His chosen.
When we withhold forgiveness, we allow Satan to take advantage of our pain and keep us in bondage to our past hurts. Withholding forgiveness is like my drinking poison hoping it will impact the one who offended me. Forgiving those who hurt us is for our wellbeing, we do not heal to forgive; we forgive to heal.
I don’t think it was a coincidence that Jesus asked Peter 3 times, “Do you love me?” Peter needed to be freed from the belief that his denial of Christ 3 times meant he did not love Jesus and was not fit to serve him. Jesus, in a very tender way took Peter back to the past, He did not try to get Peter to deny or forget that horrible evening, rather Jesus gently healed the memory; what had been a gaping, open wound was turned into a healed scar. And we all know what Peter, the rock, went on to do for the Kingdom.
In inner healing we seek to forgive those who have wronged us, we seek to forgive ourselves and learn to love and appreciate the person that Christ has made in us; and we offer God our forgiveness for not trusting Him to hold and heal our hurts and redeem what the enemy meant for harm.
Forgiveness breaks the binds that prevents us from growing and flourishing as God intended – the fullness in Christ the Bible says is ours to have.
Maybe your earthly father, family member or friend failed you; offer forgiveness and know your Heavenly Father will never fail you, forsake you; leave you alone; or withhold His blessing.
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, and He rejoices over you with singing.”
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