Un forgiveness a barrier to our progress

### Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open and ready to receive Your word. We ask for Your presence to fill this space and for Your Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding Your truths. Cover us with Your protection as we share this Word of encouragement. Equip us with the armor of God to stand firm against any spiritual attacks and to fight the good fight of faith. We bind and come against all the enemy throws at us, declaring victory in the name of Jesus. Holy Spirit, open our hearts and minds to the Lord's Word, so that we may be transformed by Your power. Help us to embrace forgiveness, to surrender fully to Your will, and to walk in the victory that is ours in Christ. May Your love and grace flow through us as we seek to walk in Your ways. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray, Amen.

### Embracing the Fire of the Holy Spirit: A Call to Forgiveness, Surrender, and Evangelism

#### 1. Unforgiveness - A Spiritual Hindrance

- **Blocks God's Blessings:** Unforgiveness is like a fortress with high walls that guard our hearts from hurt, but these walls also keep out the flow of God's blessings. Imagine standing under a waterfall, but holding an umbrella. No matter how strong the stream of blessings, you remain untouched. Jesus taught that if we do not forgive others, our Father in Heaven will not forgive our transgressions. **(Matthew 6:14-15)** It's not just about them, it's about your relationship with God.

- **Affects Your Ministry:** Envision trying to share the message of love and forgiveness while dragging a heavy chain of bitterness behind you. The clinking and clanging of this chain can distract others and yourself from the message. Your effectiveness is diminished because the burden of unforgiveness weighs you down, preventing you from fully embodying the gospel you preach.

#### 2. Unforgiveness - A Physical Burden

- **Health Issues:** Picture unforgiveness as a backpack filled with rocks. Each rock represents a hurt or grievance, and over time, the weight of this backpack can cause physical strain. Studies show that unforgiveness can lead to health problems such as stress, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. It's like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer—the only one harmed is you.

- **Mental Strain:** Unforgiveness is like a toxic mold growing in the corners of your mind. It spreads slowly but surely, causing anxiety, depression, and mental exhaustion. The constant replay of past hurts consumes your thoughts, leaving little room for peace and joy. It's a thief that robs you of your mental well-being.

#### 3. Spiritual Consequences

- **Disrupts Your Walk with God:** Unforgiveness is like static on a radio, disrupting the clear signal of God's voice. It creates a barrier that distances you from His presence. When our hearts are cluttered with resentment, it's challenging to hear His whispers and feel His guidance. This distance can leave you feeling lost and spiritually dry.

- **Hinders Spiritual Growth:** Unforgiveness is like a weed in a garden. It stunts your spiritual growth, preventing the fruits of the Spirit from fully blooming. Just as a gardener must remove weeds to allow plants to thrive, we must remove unforgiveness to nurture our spiritual lives. Without this pruning, our spiritual growth becomes stunted, and we fail to mature in our faith.

#### 4. Forgiving 70 x 7

- **Biblical Reference:** Jesus taught Peter to forgive not just seven times, but seventy times seven, signifying boundless and limitless forgiveness. **(Matthew 18:21-22)** This isn't about keeping a tally; it's about adopting a heart of continual forgiveness. It's about understanding that forgiveness isn't a one-time event but a lifestyle.

- **The Essence of Forgiveness:** Embracing a lifestyle of continuous forgiveness reflects the heart of God. It's like a fountain that never runs dry, constantly pouring out grace and mercy. Each act of forgiveness is a step closer to God's own heart, a reflection of His infinite mercy.

- **A Heart Like Jesus:** Following Jesus' example of forgiveness, even in the face of betrayal and suffering, empowers us to extend grace to others. It's easy to forgive when the offense is small, but true transformation occurs when we forgive the seemingly unforgivable. This mirrors Jesus' ultimate act of forgiveness on the cross, where He asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him.

#### 5. Surrendering All to God

- **Complete Surrender:** True surrender to God means giving up control and trusting Him with every aspect of your life. It's like handing over the keys to your heart and saying, "Lord, You drive." **(Isaiah 55:8-9)** This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but of strength. It requires courage to trust God fully, knowing that His ways are higher and His plans are perfect.

- **No Picking and Choosing:** Surrendering to God is an all-or-nothing commitment. It's like a puzzle where every piece must fit perfectly to see the full picture. We must not hold back any part of our lives from His lordship. Partial surrender leads to partial blessings. Complete surrender opens the floodgates of His favor.

#### 6. Freedom in Surrender

- **Experiencing True Freedom:** When you fully surrender to God, you experience true freedom. You no longer carry the burden of trying to manage everything on your own. Instead, you find peace in knowing that God is in control and has a perfect plan for your life. **(Jeremiah 29:11)** Imagine laying down the heavy yoke of self-reliance and taking up His easy yoke and light burden.

- **Walking in Faith:** Surrendering to God requires faith. It's like stepping out onto a bridge shrouded in fog, trusting that it will support you even when you can't see the other side. **(2 Corinthians 5:7)** It's about believing that God is faithful and will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust is built through relationship, and as we surrender, we deepen our trust in God's unfailing love.

#### 7. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

- **Breathing Him In:** The Holy Spirit dwells within us, providing guidance, comfort, and empowerment. Breathing Him in means being continually filled with His presence, allowing Him to permeate every aspect of our lives. It's like inhaling the very breath of God, feeling His life and power course through us. **(John 14:16-17)** Each breath is an invitation for the Spirit to take control, to mold us into the likeness of Christ, and to embolden us for the tasks at hand.

- **Living in His Presence:** The indwelling of the Holy Spirit means living in a constant state of awareness of His presence. It transforms our daily lives, making every moment an opportunity for divine encounter. When the Spirit is in control, we are not just reacting to life; we are co-laboring with God. This indwelling presence is the source of our strength, joy, and peace.

#### 8. Empowerment for Evangelism

- **Bold Witnesses:** With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to be bold witnesses for Christ. Evangelism becomes a natural outpouring of the Holy Spirit's fire within us. As we surrender and forgive, we become vessels of His love, sharing the gospel with a world in need. Imagine a torch being passed from one person to another, spreading the light of Christ. **(Acts 1:8)** This empowerment is not just for pastors or missionaries; it is for every believer, called to be a witness in their own sphere of influence.

- **A Spirit-Led Life:** Evangelism is most powerful when it is led by the Holy Spirit. He guides us to the right people at the right time, giving us the words to speak and the love to share. Our role is to stay tuned to His voice, ready to act whenever He prompts us. The Spirit leads us to see people through God's eyes, with compassion and a heart for their salvation.

### Scriptures

- **Matthew 6:14-15**: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

- **Matthew 18:21-22**: "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"

- **Isaiah 55:8-9**: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

- **Jeremiah 29:11**: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

- **2 Corinthians 5:7**: "For we live by faith, not by sight."

- **Deuteronomy 31:6**: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

- **John 14:16-17**: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him,

### Closing Prayer

- **Thanksgiving**: Lord, we thank You for Your boundless love and mercy. As we meditate on forgiveness and surrender, let these truths take root in our hearts.

- **Empowerment**: Empower us to forgive as You have forgiven us and to surrender every part of our lives to You.

- **Freedom**: May we live in Your freedom, walk in Your light, and be a blessing to others.

- **Faith and Trust**: Strengthen our faith and help us trust in Your perfect plan for our lives.

- **Healing**: Heal the wounds of our past, Lord, and fill us with Your peace. Remove the bitter roots of unforgiveness from our hearts.

- **Final Praise**: We praise and honor You, Lord, for You are worthy of all glory and honor. May Your name be exalted in our lives.

- **Complete Surrender**: As we close, let us visualize handing over the keys to our hearts to God, trusting Him to guide us in every step.

May these words encourage and strengthen you in your walk with the Lord. Remember, forgiveness, continual surrender, and limitless grace are keys to a fruitful and blessed life in Christ. Your testimony on unforgiveness will add a powerful personal touch, resonating deeply with those who hear it. God bless you!Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open and ready to receive Your word. We ask for Your presence to fill this space and for Your Holy Spirit to guide us fill us, with fire in understanding Your truths. Help us to embrace forgiveness and surrender fully to Your will. (Warfare) open our hearts, minds and drop the scale of our eyes. May Your love and grace flow through us as we seek to walk in Your ways. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

### The Power of Forgiveness and the Dangers of Unforgiveness

1. **Unforgiveness - A Spiritual Hindrance:**

- **Blocks God's Blessings:** Holding onto unforgiveness is like building a wall around your heart, preventing the flow of God's blessings. As Jesus taught, if we do not forgive others, our Father in Heaven will not forgive our transgressions. **(Matthew 6:14-15)** It's not just about them, it's about your relationship with God.

- **Affects Your Ministry:** Envision trying to share the message of love and forgiveness while dragging a heavy chain of bitterness behind you. The clinking and clanging of this chain can distract others and yourself from the message. Your effectiveness is diminished because the burden of unforgiveness weighs you down, preventing you from fully embodying the gospel you preach.

- **Health Statistics:** Studies have shown that unforgiveness can lead to significant health issues. For instance, chronic anger and resentment have been linked to increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system [A](Additionally, mental health can be severely impacted, with higher rates of anxiety and depression observed in those who struggle to forgive

2. **Unforgiveness - A Physical Burden:**

- **Health Issues:** Unforgiveness is like carrying a backpack filled with rocks. Each rock represents a hurt or grievance, and over time, the weight of this backpack can cause physical strain. It can lead to health problems such as stress, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system It's like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer—the only one harmed is you.

This is how the enemy gets in and makes you seethe, angry, hateful vengeful, it turns to poison inside and eats

you away.

- **Mental Strain:** Unforgiveness is a tape playing on a loop in your mind, constantly reminding you of past hurts. This mental replay can lead to anxiety, depression, and exhaustion. The constant replay of past hurts consumes your thoughts, leaving little room for peace and joy. It's a thief that robs you of your mental well-being.

3. **Spiritual Consequences:**

- **Disrupts Your Walk with God:** Unforgiveness is like static on a radio, disrupting the clear signal of God's voice. It creates a barrier that distances you from His presence. When our hearts are cluttered with resentment, it's challenging to hear His whispers and feel His guidance. This distance can leave you feeling lost and spiritually dry.

- **Hinders Spiritual Growth:** Unforgiveness is like a weed in a garden. It stunts your spiritual growth, preventing the fruits of the Spirit from fully blooming. Just as a gardener must remove weeds to allow plants to thrive, we must remove unforgiveness to nurture our spiritual lives. Without this pruning, our spiritual growth becomes stunted, and we fail to mature in our faith.

4. **Forgiving 70 x 7:**

- **Biblical Reference:** Jesus taught Peter to forgive not just seven times, but seventy times seven, signifying boundless and limitless forgiveness. **(Matthew 18:21-22)** This isn't about keeping a tally; it's about adopting a heart of continual forgiveness. It's about understanding that forgiveness isn't a one-time event but a lifestyle.

- **The Essence of Forgiveness:** Embracing a lifestyle of continuous forgiveness reflects the heart of God. It's like a fountain that never runs dry, constantly pouring out grace and mercy. Each act of forgiveness is a step closer to God's own heart, a reflection of His infinite mercy.

- **A Heart Like Jesus:** Following Jesus' example of forgiveness, even in the face of betrayal and suffering, empowers us to extend grace to others. It's easy to forgive when the offense is small, but true transformation occurs when we forgive the seemingly unforgivable. This mirrors Jesus' ultimate act of forgiveness on the cross, where He asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him.

5. **Surrendering All to God:**

- **Complete Surrender:** True surrender to God means giving up control and trusting Him with every aspect of your life. It's like handing over the keys to your heart and saying, "Lord, You drive." **(Isaiah 55:8-9)** This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but of strength. It requires courage to trust God fully, knowing that His ways are higher and His plans are perfect.

- **No Picking and Choosing:** Surrendering to God is an all-or-nothing commitment. It's like a puzzle where every piece must fit perfectly to see the full picture. We must not hold back any part of our lives from His lordship. Partial surrender leads to partial blessings. Complete surrender opens the floodgates of His favor.

6. **Freedom in Surrender:**

- **Experiencing True Freedom:** When you fully surrender to God, you experience true freedom. You no longer carry the burden of trying to manage everything on your own. Instead, you find peace in knowing that God is in control and has a perfect plan for your life. **(Jeremiah 29:11)** Imagine laying down the heavy yoke of self-reliance and taking up His easy yoke and light burden.

- **Walking in Faith:** Surrendering to God requires faith. It's like stepping out onto a bridge shrouded in fog, trusting that it will support you even when you can't see the other side. **(2 Corinthians 5:7)** It's about believing that God is faithful and will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust is built through relationship, and as we surrender, we deepen our trust in God's unfailing love.

7. **Living in Grace:**

- **Grace-Filled Life:** Embracing forgiveness and surrender leads to a grace-filled life. It allows you to live without the burden of grudges and with the freedom of knowing that God’s grace covers all. It transforms your heart and enables you to extend that grace to others. Grace is the oil that lubricates our relationships, making it easier to forgive and love.

### Scriptures

- **Matthew 6:14-15**: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

- **Matthew 18:21-22**: "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"

- **Isaiah 55:8-9**: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

- **Jeremiah 29:11**: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

- **2 Corinthians 5:7**: "For we live by faith, not by sight."

- **Deuteronomy 31:6**: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

#### Closing Prayer

- **Thanksgiving **: Lord, we thank You for Your boundless love and mercy. As we meditate on forgiveness and surrender, let these truths take root in our hearts.

- **Empowerment**: Empower us to forgive as You have forgiven us and to surrender every part of our lives to You.

- **Freedom**: May we live in Your freedom, walk in Your light, and be a blessing to others.

- **Faith and Trust**: Strengthen our faith and help us trust in Your perfect plan for our lives.

- **Healing**: Heal the wounds of our past, Lord, and fill us with Your peace. Remove the bitter roots of unforgiveness from our hearts.

- **Final Praise**: We praise and honor You, Lord, for You are worthy of all glory and honor. May Your name be exalted in our lives.

- **Complete Surrender**: As we close, let us visualize handing over the keys to our hearts to God, trusting Him to guide us in every step.

In Jesus Mighty and matchless name, Amen

Testimony???

May these expanded reflections encourage and strengthen you in your walk with the Lord. Remember, forgiveness, continual surrender, and limitless grace are keys to a fruitful and blessed life in Christ. Your testimony on unforgiveness will add a powerful personal touch, resonating deeply with those who hear it. God bless you! Amen