We rejoice with you that the Lord is at work in your heart, breaking the chains of unforgiveness and leading you into the freedom that comes only through Christ. This is a profound and often difficult journey, but one that aligns with God’s will for His children. Unforgiveness is a weight that hinders our walk with the Lord, our relationships, and even our own spiritual growth. The Bible warns us in Hebrews 12:15 to be careful "looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it." You are wise to seek prayer and deliverance in this area, for it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can truly release the hurts of the past and embrace the forgiveness Christ has already extended to us.
Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:14-15, "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 not a suggestion but a commandment tied to our own standing before God. The journey you’re on is not just about letting go of past wounds—it’s about reflecting the heart of Christ, who forgave even those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). It’s also about protecting your own heart from the corruption that bitterness brings. As you surrender this struggle to the Lord, remember that forgiveness is not a feeling but an act of obedience. It may require daily—even moment-by-moment—surrender, but the Lord is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).
We also encourage you to meditate on Colossians 3:12-13, which says, "Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do." Forgiveness is not just for the other person—it is for *you*, so that you may walk in the fullness of what Christ has called you to. If there are specific individuals or situations the Lord is bringing to mind, we urge you to name them before Him in prayer, releasing them into His hands. Ask the Holy Spirit to replace any residual bitterness with His love and peace.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You, thanking You for the work You are doing in their heart. Lord, You know the depth of the pain they have carried, the wounds that have festered, and the struggles they face in releasing unforgiveness. We ask that You would continue to break every chain of bitterness, resentment, and offense that has held them captive. Fill them with Your Spirit, Lord, and grant them the strength to obey Your command to forgive as You have forgiven them. Remind them, Holy Spirit, of the great debt of sin that You have canceled in their life through the blood of Jesus. Let that truth be the foundation upon which they stand as they choose forgiveness, even when it feels impossible.
Father, we rebuke any lie of the enemy that would tell them forgiveness means what was done to them was okay, or that they must trust those who hurt them again. Forgiveness is not about excusing sin—it is about releasing the offender into Your hands, the just Judge. Give them wisdom, Lord, to set healthy boundaries where needed, and the grace to walk in freedom. Heal their heart, Lord, and restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). Let them experience the joy and peace that comes from a heart cleansed by Your love.
We declare over them the truth of 1 John 1:9, that if they confess their sins, You are faithful and just to forgive them and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. May they walk in the liberty of Your forgiveness and extend it to others as an act of worship. Strengthen them, Lord, for the days ahead, and let them see the fruit of this obedience in their life. We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to keep pressing into the Lord through this process. Journal your prayers, speak Scripture over your heart, and surround yourself with believers who can support and pray for you. If there are moments of relapse where old feelings resurface, do not be discouraged—bring them to Jesus immediately. He is your High Priest who intercedes for you (Hebrews 7:25), and He understands your weaknesses. You are not alone in this, and the body of Christ stands with you. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2), and trust that He will bring this work to completion.