“Repent then and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19)
The Bible is clear that forgiving others is imperative to our intimate relationship with Christ. When we forgive others, we are forgiven. When we refuse to forgive others, our forgiveness is withheld. Forgiveness is not letting others off the hook, saying what they did was ok, or reentering into relationships that are unsafe. Forgiveness is taking the undeserved grace Jesus bought us on the cross and extending it to others the way Jesus did for us. When we forgive, we allow God to be the judge, jury, and executor of justice. It allows the power of their transgressions against us to be removed so we no longer carry its burden. When we choose to forgive, Jesus heals us. Forgiveness allows us to have a clear conduit through which the Holy Spirit can move, and it removes a barrier that hinders our intimacy with Christ.
More than anything, we want to create deep meaningful friendship and connection with our Creator. As we fast, we can ask God to help us courageously come into a posture of forgiveness towards those who have wronged us. The benefits of forgiving are priceless.
As we take inventory of our heart today, ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind anyone who you may be harboring unforgiveness against.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your kindness, patience and mercy towards me, knowing that your kindness leads me to repentance. I confess that I have not shown the same mercy toward the broken people who have hurt me.
Listening Prayer: Holy Spirit, please bring to mind all the people I need to forgive.
Take time to listen and write down the names he brings to mind.
Heavenly Father, your word says that you forgive us to the measure we forgive others. In my flesh, I have held onto anger and hurt from those who have wronged me. By a decision of my own free will, I freely forgive from my heart all who have harmed me or wronged me. I lay down all bitterness, all resentment, and all hatred. I choose to forgive ____________ (name of the person or people God has brought to mind) for _______________(say what you are forgiving them for) causing me to feel____________ (say emotions that surface). I give _________(their name) to you, Jesus, to be their judge. Please forgive me for judging them. I take back all ground I gave to the enemy through my bitterness. I give that ground to your control, Jesus. Purify me and cleanse me. Make me like new. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You may find God brings to mind people throughout your fast who you need to add to this prayer. As they come up, be quick to forgive and release them to Jesus. We praise God for the freedom forgiveness brings!!! Take time to thank him and praise him for how he cares for us through forgiveness.
Resource: Bible Verses on Forgiveness
“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.” (Mark 11:25)
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:12-17)
“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 6:14-15)
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”(1 John 1:9)
Worship Songs:
“Scandal of Grace” by Hillsong
Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) by Hillary Scott