ENEMY OF PROGRESS IV - UNFORGIVENESS

“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses – Matthew 6:15.”

Nothing matters to a convicted prisoner behind bars like freedom. The same goes to the sinner; nothing matters more to him other than forgiveness and the pardon from the Saviour. Unforgiveness in the heart of a man can be a roadblock to making progress in life, destiny and in anything at all.

What is it that man has done to you that made you resolve you will never forgive? Remember, if you think you have right not to forgive anyone, God has more right than you but He forgives anyway. Jesus Christ in one of His parables told us about a servant who owed his master certain amount of money. He pleaded with his master and he forgave him. This same servant saw another servant who owed him a small amount compared to what he owed the master (let’s say in ratio 1 to 500). He took his fellow servant and imprisoned him. When the news got to the master, he ordered for the arrest and imprisonment of the man and all his households until the debt be paid. Tell me, how can a man in prison be able to pay his debt? What progress can he make in that state?

Take Joseph for instance, while in Egypt, he forgave his brethren and God used this as a means of promoting and increasing him. Have you seen a man whose progress has been delayed? It is a man in whose heart unforgiveness dwells. Mark such a person, the book of his iniquities is ever open before God. An accuser shall be chosen to stand against him in the congregation.

Listen, one of the reasons you must stop following and serving satan is this – he does not forgive. I repeat, Satan does not forgive. Did you get that? He is not making progress whatsoever if you ask me. If you think the devil is making progress, then it must be a downward progress which in real sense it is not a progress at all but rather a demotion. Likewise, every man following the precept and prompting of the devil. There are two titles given to the devil with regards to unforgiveness. They are: accuser of brethren – Rev. 12;10 and deceiver or liar – Jn. 8:44. No accuser can master forgiveness. As an accuser, it means there is a record of wrongdoing kept. Also, being a deceiver or liar, the end result is to find occasion against the record of another or to tarnish his right standing.

Jesus Christ our Lord knows the barrier unforgiveness can cause to hinder the progress of God’s children. This is the reason He had to say – “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.. – Lk. 23:34.” By now, you already know he was just a step from accomplishing one of the purposes of His coming into the world. He knew this factor can be a hindrance.

Christian, consider unforgiveness as an enemy to your progress of serving, pleasing and honouring God. If you must follow the steps of your Master, then forgiveness is not an option. It is compulsory! If you do not forgive, then you are your own enemy. You are to be held accountable for not making progress physically, spiritually, health-wise and in all areas of life as touching godliness and righteousness.

Finally, what progress can a man whom God does not forgive make? Have you not read? That – “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile – Ps. 32:1-2.” Then it means cursed be the man whom God does not forgive. A cursed man does not make progress. Does he? Choose today either to be the blessed or accursed. It depends on whether you are going with forgiveness or the unforgiveness.

FORGIVING GREETINGS