Forgiveness & Healing

In our previous blog we learned about the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2:3-12. This was precipitated by Jesus forgiving the man's sin first. He needed to know that he was forgiven, but why? Unforgiveness towards self and others is a cruel slave master that brings bitterness and the curse of sickness. Jesus knew the man's heart, he was already repentant for the sin. I believe that when Jesus said to him "your sins are forgiven you" that was the moment the man became free in his mind! He needed to know he was forgiven so that he could be free.

Consider Mark 11:25-26 and Matthew 18:23-35. In these passages, we are told that we need to forgive in order to be forgiven. We see an example of a servant who begged to be forgiven a large debt he owed to his master. But once his master forgave him, he refused to forgive his fellow man's lesser debt owed to him. Because of his unwillingness to forgive his fellow man, he was tortured until he should pay the entire debt to his master. Is this not what happens when we do not forgive others and ourselves? Forgiveness and repentance lead to deliverance, healing and restoration. Many people who suffer various torments like pain, arthritis, mental, and emotional ills are healed after discovering that they needed to forgive others or themselves. Whether someone has done something to hurt you or you have sinned, forgiveness is necessary. Even if your ancestors cursed your family line by their actions, forgiveness of what they did will release you! God will forgive you for your sin and healing will take place.

If you are in unforgiveness, I encourage you to follow Jesus the 'Forgiver' and pray this out loud, "Lord I forgive (name the people) for all they have done, and I release them." "I ask you Father to forgive me for being bitter towards others and myself." "I believe I receive my forgiveness now in Jesus name." Now pray for the person you have forgiven. Speak blessings over them. This is a sure way to continue to walk in forgiveness.