Day 4: What Jesus Said About Unforgiveness — And Why It Still Matters
Scripture Focus
Matthew 6:14–15 (NLT)
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Devotional
Dear Resilient Woman of God,
Let’s not sugarcoat it — Jesus did not play with unforgiveness.
He didn’t whisper about it. He didn’t soften the truth.
He spoke it boldly, straight to the hearts of those who wanted grace without obedience.
In Matthew 6, He didn’t say, “Try to forgive when you feel like it.”
He said,
“If you don’t forgive… you won’t be forgiven.”
That’s heavy. That’s real.
And that’s love — because He was warning us, not condemning us.
Jesus understood something we often avoid:
Unforgiveness is poison.
It doesn’t just keep people locked out of your heart — it keeps YOU locked out of God’s presence.
You can go to church.
You can pray.
You can serve.
But if your heart is harboring unforgiveness — you’re spiritually clogged.
Your prayers are hindered.
Your peace is blocked.
Your growth is stunted.
And Jesus is saying today:
“Daughter, I forgave you. Now let Me teach you how to forgive others — and yourself.”
Let’s Get Personal
Some of you are holding on to what he did.
What she said.
What they never admitted.
Some of you are still angry at the version of you that made those choices.
The broken you.
The addicted you.
The bitter you.
The lost you.
But if Jesus — who was sinless — could hang on a cross and say “Father, forgive them” to the ones who beat, mocked, and crucified Him…
Then what’s stopping us from forgiving others — and ourselves?
The Lesson: Forgiveness Is Not a Suggestion — It’s a Kingdom Requirement
It’s not about whether they said sorry.
It’s not about how long it’s been.
It’s about this:
Do you want to be free? Or do you want to stay bound?
Unforgiveness is spiritual self-sabotage.
It puts your future on hold.
It keeps you emotionally stuck in a moment God is trying to deliver you from.
But Jesus… He offers something greater:
Healing. Restoration. A new beginning.
But you can’t receive what’s in God’s hands if your fists are still clenched with offense.
Reflection Prompt
Take a deep breath and ask yourself:
- Who am I still holding hostage in my heart — including myself?
- Am I truly ready to forgive, not just with my words, but with my spirit?
- Do I believe that God has forgiven me, or am I still punishing myself for what I already repented of?
Write your answers honestly. Let God meet you in your truth.
Application Challenge
Write down three names:
- Someone who hurt you deeply.
- Someone you need to release emotionally.
- Your own name.
Yes — include yourself.
Next to each name, write the words: “I choose to forgive — just as Jesus forgave me.”
Say each name out loud in prayer.
Don’t rush it. Don’t fake it.
Let God work in you as you speak freedom over what once held you captive.
Closing Prayer
Father,
Your Word is true — even when it’s hard.
You said that if I don’t forgive, I won’t be forgiven.
And today I choose obedience over offense.
I choose healing over bitterness.
I choose to forgive — even when it hurts.
Jesus, thank You for showing me what forgiveness looks like.
You were wounded and still forgave.
You were innocent and still released the guilty.
Now help me do the same.
I forgive those who broke me.
I forgive the parts of me I used to hate.
I forgive the past — and I trust You with my future.
Let my heart be free.
Let my soul be clean.
Let my spirit be unchained.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
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