Forgiveness might not seem like spiritual warfare at first—but make no mistake, it is. Nothing disrupts the enemy’s plans more than a heart that refuses to cling to bitterness and instead chooses freedom through forgiveness. In a season of fasting, we often ask God to cleanse us, speak to us, and move through us—and one of the key ways He frequently does that is by inviting us to release anger, jealousy, and pain in our relationships. Practicing and receiving forgiveness reminds us of our daily need for grace and keeps us in alignment with the Holy Spirit, while holding onto bitterness quietly grieves Him and hardens our hearts.

Bitterness—especially when it’s deep or long-standing—can take root in subtle but powerful ways. Scripture warns us in Hebrews 12:15: “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Bitterness often begins with real pain, injustice, or betrayal. If we don’t bring that pain to God honestly and allow Him to heal it, it can settle in and take root—spreading into resentment, isolation, or even spiritual disconnection. But God doesn’t leave us to battle this on our own.

Romans 8:26–27 offers deep encouragement: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness… the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Even when we don’t feel ready to forgive—or don’t know how—the Holy Spirit is already interceding for us. You can pray in agreement with Him, asking for His power to soften your heart, lift the burden of bitterness, and make room for grace.  Say yes to his work in you and ask Him to empower you to release control over the outcome.  

Forgiveness is both an act of surrender and a pathway to healing. When we choose to forgive, we take a powerful stand against the enemy’s tactics—refusing to let offense divide, isolate, or distort our identity in Christ. Just as important, we must also be willing to receive forgiveness. In his book Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?, Tim Keller writes that forgiveness is never easy, especially when we’ve been deeply wronged. But he reminds us that Jesus never asks us to forgive more than He’s already forgiven us. Receiving His grace first is what empowers us to extend it to others.

There is great power in honestly acknowledging our selfishness, poor choices, and dysfunction—especially when we do so in the presence of God. Practicing this kind of authenticity, when rooted in grace, doesn’t lead to shame; it leads to freedom. It reminds us that we are loved and forgiven not because we’re worthy, but because Jesus is merciful.

Jesus said in Luke 7:47, “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”  When we truly receive the lavish forgiveness of the Father, it expands our capacity to love—and love makes forgiveness possible.

Here are a few simple truths to reflect on as you fast and pray today:

  • Giving forgiveness isn’t minimizing the hurt—it’s releasing it to God and trusting Him with justice.

  • Receiving forgiveness requires humility. You don’t have to earn grace—just receive it.

  • Recognizing bitterness is key. Ask the Spirit to show you anything that’s taken root in your heart.

  • Forgiveness is a process. Keep surrendering, keep inviting God into the pain, and keep moving toward freedom.

If you’re struggling to forgive, start by praying Ephesians 3:17–19 over your own heart:
 “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power… to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…”  The more you know His love, the freer you become.

Listening Prayer:
Holy Spirit, is there anyone I’m holding bitterness or unforgiveness toward? Is there any place I’ve resisted receiving Your forgiveness? Search me and speak, I am listening.

Prayer:
Jesus, I surrender my pain, pride, and defensiveness. I don’t want to carry bitterness anymore. Show me where I need to forgive—and help me receive Your grace in the places I need it most. I know I can’t do this on my own, but You are strong in my weakness. Thank You for never giving up on me. Amen.

Resource: Scriptures on Forgiveness

1 John 1:9 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Psalm 103:12 

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us

Matthew 18: 21-22                                                                                                                    “Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’

 

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