UNFORGIVENESS: A MAJOR HINDRANCE TO ENJOYING ABUNDANT LIFE!

Mark 11:23-26 says, "For assuredly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." Did you know that approximately 85% of adult population will develop some sort of back problem during their lifetime? Some because they work lifting heavy weight all day long; some because they're on their feet all the time; others as a result of an injury. But you are going to be surprised to discover that half of these adults' problems are the result of bitterness of some kind. You may not believe what I'm saying, but it's true that a large percentage of these people have nothing wrong with their spines, but rather an overabundance of adrenaline in their bodies caused by bitterness and resentment. The excess of adrenaline will find its refuge in the joints causing arthritis, or in the spine causing chronic pain. The Word of God warns us regarding the danger of being angry: "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold" (Eph. 4:26-27). In James 1:19-20 it says, "My brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." The reason the Bible warns us is because all bitterness and resentment begins first with anger. Anger itself is not a sin, but it will lead to sin if not dealt with. On the other hand, bitterness and resentment are sins because they are rooted in pride. Even though we have received grace and forgiveness from God for the evil we have done to Him, we withhold grace from those who have hurt us because we feel that what they have done to us is somehow worse than what we have done to God. The Word of God establishes a condition. "Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses" (Mark 11:25-26). Unforgiveness gives Satan a foothold (Eph. 4:27). In other words, where unforgiveness is being harbored, the devil will find no resistance in placing diseases or curses and the like because he has already been given an opening to do so by our holding things against others. Unforgiveness can be compared to a cancer. It kills little by little. It has power to destroy marriages, families, health and friendships. It has power to kill. The condition to be forgiven by God is to forgive others. The condition to be healed of your back problems (or other health problems) in some cases is also to forgive those who have hurt you. Let me suggest a practical exercise. If you have some sort of back pain, or if you know somebody who does, try the following: Close your eyes and examine your heart to see if you hold unforgiveness against anybody, or instruct the other person to do the same. Once you've identified that you hold something against someone, stand up, raise your arms and say, "Father God, I know I hold this against (the person's name) and I cry out to you asking for help. Lord, I forgive (the person's name) with all my heart and I won't hold anything against anybody anymore. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen." After forgiving somebody and releasing them from the prison of your resentment, you are going to realize that your back pain will be gone. Remember that the Word of God is the ultimate authority and whoever follows its instructions is wise. Some other diseases might also be caused by bitterness and resentment. Every time you hold bitterness and resentment against others you are simply giving Satan an opening for him to work in your life, and the Bible says that "The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy . . ." (John 10:10). His schemes never change. He will usually cause some sort of sickness in order to steal or to kill or to destroy you or to destroy your family. Believe me, if you cleanse your heart from all bitterness and resentment you will experience abundant life full of peace, joy and happiness. Matthew 5:43-48 says, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."