Wednesday 27 June 2012

Open Heavens Devotional: RELEASE BY FORGIVING – Wednesday, June 27, 2012 By Pastor E.A. Adeboye


Memorise: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as l had pity on thee? Matthew 18:33
Bible in one year: Psalms 61-63
Most things on earth respond to the principle of sowing and reaping, and mercy is not an exception. If you want to continually enjoy God’s mercy, sow mercy into the lives of those who offend or owe you. In Matthew 18:21-35, we learn that the reason a heavily-indebted servant whose debt was forgiven had to be locked up until he paid up, was because he could not forgive his fellow servant as he was forgiven. As a result, the forgiveness he had received was neutralized by his unforgiving stance and he ended up a debtor. You asked for, and received forgiveness as a sinner and you became born again. Even after your salvation, you keep asking for the blood of Jesus to cleanse you from sin no matter how weighty they are. Yet you refuse to forgive the brother who misunderstood or misinterpreted your views. If possible, you would want the Holy Ghost fire to roast him; for what? For not greeting you when he passed by or for stepping on your toes? If you cannot forgive and truly release that fellow from your heart, you have ceased from walking in love.
Many people are sick and wondering why. You will be surprised how many people are sick because of un-forgiveness, bitterness and similar character defects. A woman came to Ebute-Metta, Lagos (SW Nigeria) in the early 80’s. It was the 18th of all the places she had gone to for prayers. When she came into the church, she said she had finally found a church where nobody would kill her. One day, she rose up from her sleep and accused Baba of being among those who wanted her dead. Then l knew something was wrong so l invited her for more talk and the Holy Spirit told me she was harbouring un-forgiveness hence tormentors were tormenting her life. When l tried to probe further, she said her husband did something and she resolved never to forgive him. If you want progress, prosperity, forgiveness and mercy, forgive those who offend you. Release them from your heart. Has your pastor offended you? Forgive him. Has the choir mistress stepped hard on your toes during your rehearsals? Forgive her. Sow forgiveness and reap mercy. Un-forgiveness is holding back the blessings of many. Release your blessings today!

KEY POINT:
The level of love or hatred in the body of Christ can be measured by the type of prayers we pray for one another.

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