By Dr. Lawrence Osifo
Power of Un-forgiveness
By
Dr. Lawrence Osifo
Matthew 6:14–15 – “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Introduction
Beloved, today we are confronting a silent destroyer, a hidden poison, a subtle prison that many people carry without even knowing: un-forgiveness.
Un-forgiveness is not just a feeling; it is a force. It is a power; — dark, destructive, and consuming. It holds men and women captive. You may not see its chains with your physical eyes, but you can feel them in your spirit. It steals peace, destroys joy, blocks prayers, and hinders destinies.
The Bible warns us that failing to forgive others has eternal consequences. Un-forgiveness is not weakness; it is rebellion against God’s command to forgive as He forgives.
The Nature of Un-forgiveness
Un-forgiveness is like a seed of bitterness planted in the soil of the heart. If not uprooted, it grows into hatred, resentment, and even revenge.
• It is a prison: The offender may have gone on with life, but the one holding grudges is still chained to the pain of the past.
• It is poison: Someone once said, “Un-forgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
• It is a thief: It robs a bearer of peace, health, and fellowship with God.
The Dangers of Un-forgiveness
1. It Blocks God’s Forgiveness
If we refuse to forgive, God will not forgive us (Matthew 6:15). This means un-forgiveness stands as a barrier between man and Heaven.
2. It Destroys Relationships
Marriages collapse, friendships die, churches get divide; — all because people refuse to let go of offences.
3. It Breeds Bitterness and Sickness
Science shows that bitterness and un-forgiveness can lead to stress, hypertension, and even physical ailments. The soul and the body suffer when the heart is heavy with grudges and grieves.
4. It Gives the Enemy an Advantage
The devil thrives in un-forgiveness. When you refuse to forgive, you hand him the keys to lock up your peace.
5. It Keeps You in the Past
Forgiveness releases you into your future. Un-forgiveness keeps you chained to yesterday’s pain.
Biblical Examples
• Joseph – Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongly imprisoned. Yet, when he had the chance for revenge, he forgave. That forgiveness elevated him and preserved a nation (Genesis 50:20).
• Jesus on the Cross – Bruised, battered, mocked, and crucified, yet His words were: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). If Jesus forgave in the midst of agony, how much more should we forgive?
• Stephen the Martyr – As stones rained upon him, his last prayer was forgiveness: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60).
These examples teach us that forgiveness is not weakness; it is strength. It is not defeat; it is victory.
The Power of Forgiveness Over Un-forgiveness
• Forgiveness heals the soul.
• Forgiveness restores relationships.
• Forgiveness opens the heavens.
• Forgiveness disarms the enemy.
• Forgiveness sets YOU free.
When you forgive, you are not excusing the offence; — you are releasing yourself from the prison of bitterness.
Practical Steps to Overcome Un-forgiveness
1. Acknowledge the hurt – Do not pretend you were not offended. Healing begins with honesty.
2. Choose to forgive – Forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a decision in obedience to God’s word.
3. Pray for the offender – It is difficult to hate the person you are praying for.
4. Release them to God – Justice belongs to the Lord. Let Him handle it.
5. Repeat if necessary – Forgiveness may be a process. Each time the offence resurfaces, reaffirm your forgiveness.
Conclusion
Beloved, the power of un-forgiveness is deadly; — it can kill your joy, hinder your prayers, and even cost you your salvation. But the power of forgiveness is greater; — it heals, restores, and brings peace.
Let us lay down every burden of offence at the foot of the cross today. Let us forgive, even when it is painful. For in forgiving, we look most like Christ.
Call to Action & Prayer
• Examine your heart: Who are you still holding in the prison of un-forgiveness?
• Decide today: Release them and free yourself.
• Pray:
“Lord, give me the grace to forgive as You forgave me. Deliver me from the prison of bitterness. Heal my heart, restore my joy, and let Your love flow through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Would you like me to also structure this sermon into a 3-point preaching outline (with catchy headings, stories, and closing appeal) so it’s easier to deliver to a congregation?
By
Dr. Lawrence Osifo
Matthew 6:14–15 – “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Introduction
Beloved, today we are confronting a silent destroyer, a hidden poison, a subtle prison that many people carry without even knowing: un-forgiveness.
Un-forgiveness is not just a feeling; it is a force. It is a power; — dark, destructive, and consuming. It holds men and women captive. You may not see its chains with your physical eyes, but you can feel them in your spirit. It steals peace, destroys joy, blocks prayers, and hinders destinies.
The Bible warns us that failing to forgive others has eternal consequences. Un-forgiveness is not weakness; it is rebellion against God’s command to forgive as He forgives.
The Nature of Un-forgiveness
Un-forgiveness is like a seed of bitterness planted in the soil of the heart. If not uprooted, it grows into hatred, resentment, and even revenge.
• It is a prison: The offender may have gone on with life, but the one holding grudges is still chained to the pain of the past.
• It is poison: Someone once said, “Un-forgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
• It is a thief: It robs a bearer of peace, health, and fellowship with God.
The Dangers of Un-forgiveness
1. It Blocks God’s Forgiveness
If we refuse to forgive, God will not forgive us (Matthew 6:15). This means un-forgiveness stands as a barrier between man and Heaven.
2. It Destroys Relationships
Marriages collapse, friendships die, churches get divide; — all because people refuse to let go of offences.
3. It Breeds Bitterness and Sickness
Science shows that bitterness and un-forgiveness can lead to stress, hypertension, and even physical ailments. The soul and the body suffer when the heart is heavy with grudges and grieves.
4. It Gives the Enemy an Advantage
The devil thrives in un-forgiveness. When you refuse to forgive, you hand him the keys to lock up your peace.
5. It Keeps You in the Past
Forgiveness releases you into your future. Un-forgiveness keeps you chained to yesterday’s pain.
Biblical Examples
• Joseph – Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongly imprisoned. Yet, when he had the chance for revenge, he forgave. That forgiveness elevated him and preserved a nation (Genesis 50:20).
• Jesus on the Cross – Bruised, battered, mocked, and crucified, yet His words were: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). If Jesus forgave in the midst of agony, how much more should we forgive?
• Stephen the Martyr – As stones rained upon him, his last prayer was forgiveness: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60).
These examples teach us that forgiveness is not weakness; it is strength. It is not defeat; it is victory.
The Power of Forgiveness Over Un-forgiveness
• Forgiveness heals the soul.
• Forgiveness restores relationships.
• Forgiveness opens the heavens.
• Forgiveness disarms the enemy.
• Forgiveness sets YOU free.
When you forgive, you are not excusing the offence; — you are releasing yourself from the prison of bitterness.
Practical Steps to Overcome Un-forgiveness
1. Acknowledge the hurt – Do not pretend you were not offended. Healing begins with honesty.
2. Choose to forgive – Forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a decision in obedience to God’s word.
3. Pray for the offender – It is difficult to hate the person you are praying for.
4. Release them to God – Justice belongs to the Lord. Let Him handle it.
5. Repeat if necessary – Forgiveness may be a process. Each time the offence resurfaces, reaffirm your forgiveness.
Conclusion
Beloved, the power of un-forgiveness is deadly; — it can kill your joy, hinder your prayers, and even cost you your salvation. But the power of forgiveness is greater; — it heals, restores, and brings peace.
Let us lay down every burden of offence at the foot of the cross today. Let us forgive, even when it is painful. For in forgiving, we look most like Christ.
Call to Action & Prayer
• Examine your heart: Who are you still holding in the prison of un-forgiveness?
• Decide today: Release them and free yourself.
• Pray:
“Lord, give me the grace to forgive as You forgave me. Deliver me from the prison of bitterness. Heal my heart, restore my joy, and let Your love flow through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Would you like me to also structure this sermon into a 3-point preaching outline (with catchy headings, stories, and closing appeal) so it’s easier to deliver to a congregation?