We join with you in lifting up your heart’s cry for freedom from unforgiveness, for we know how deeply the Lord desires to release us from the chains of bitterness and resentment. Unforgiveness is a heavy burden that not only weighs down our souls but also hinders our relationship with God and others. The Scriptures remind us in **Matthew 6:14-15 (WEB)**, *"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."* This is a sobering truth—our own forgiveness from the Lord is tied to our willingness to extend forgiveness to others. It is not an option for the believer but a command rooted in the mercy we ourselves have received.
We also recall the words of Jesus in **Mark 11:25 (WEB)**, *"Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions."* Unforgiveness acts as a barrier between us and God, preventing our prayers from being fully heard and our hearts from experiencing the peace that comes from walking in obedience. The Apostle Paul urges us in **Ephesians 4:31-32 (WEB)**, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* Forgiveness is not a feeling but an act of the will—a choice to release the debt owed to us, just as Christ released us from the debt of sin we could never repay.
Yet we know this is not easy, especially when the wounds are deep. The pain may feel justified, and the offense may seem unforgivable in our own strength. But we serve a God who specializes in the impossible. He does not ask us to forgive in our own power but through the strength of His Spirit working within us. **Philippians 4:13 (WEB)** declares, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* Even this—even forgiving what feels unforgivable—is possible when we surrender it to Him.
We also recognize that unforgiveness can sometimes be tied to pride or a sense of justice that demands repayment for the wrong done. But vengeance belongs to the Lord, as **Romans 12:19 (WEB)** tells us, *"Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.'"* When we release our right to hold onto the offense, we trust God to handle it His way, which is always just and perfect.
Now, let us pray together for your freedom:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our sister/brother, who longs to be set free from the bondage of unforgiveness. Lord, You see the depth of the pain and the weight of the hurt that has taken root in their heart. We ask that You would soften their heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit, reminding them of the immense forgiveness they have received through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Just as You forgave us while we were still sinners, grant them the grace to extend that same forgiveness to those who have wronged them.
Lord, we rebuked the spirit of bitterness, resentment, and offense that seeks to keep them bound. By the authority of Jesus’ name, we break every chain of unforgiveness and declare freedom over their soul. Fill them with Your love, which covers a multitude of sins, and let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Father, if there are specific individuals or situations that have caused deep wounds, we ask that You would bring them to mind so that our sister/brother can release them to You. Help them to forgive not because the offense was small, but because Your grace is greater. Remind them that forgiveness does not mean excusing sin or pretending it didn’t happen, but it means choosing to no longer let it control their heart.
We also pray for healing, Lord. Heal the wounds that have made forgiveness difficult. Restore what has been broken, and let Your love flow through them so abundantly that forgiveness becomes a natural outflow of their relationship with You. May they experience the joy and lightness that comes from walking in obedience and freedom.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would protect them from the enemy’s lies—lies that say forgiveness is weakness, that justice will never come, or that holding onto the pain is the only way to feel validated. Replace those lies with Your truth: that forgiveness is strength, that You are the just Judge, and that true freedom is found in surrendering to Your will.
We thank You, Lord, for the work You are doing in their heart even now. May they walk in the fullness of the freedom You have purchased for them through the blood of Jesus. In His mighty and holy name we pray, Amen.
We encourage you to take practical steps in this journey. If there are people you need to forgive, consider writing their names down and releasing them to the Lord in prayer. You might also find it helpful to confess your struggle with unforgiveness to a trusted believer who can pray with you and hold you accountable. Remember, this is a process, and the Lord is patient with you. Keep seeking Him, and He will faithfully complete the work He has begun in you.
Lastly, we want to gently remind you that the name of Jesus is the only name by which we can approach the throne of God. It is through His sacrifice that we have access to the Father, and it is in His name that we find the power to forgive. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your full trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, for *"there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (**Acts 4:12, WEB**). If you have any questions about what it means to follow Jesus, we would be honored to walk with you in that as well.
You are not alone in this, and we are standing with you in prayer. Keep pressing into the Lord—He is faithful!