The Dangers of Unforgiveness and Its Benefits

Unforgiveness is something that grows...it will destroy us and our relationship with God and with others. 

 **The downward spiral:  Begins with Unforgiveness, then goes to Resentment, then there is a desire for Revenge. This is followed by Bitterness and hatred and Actually Taking Revenge.

Benefits of forgiveness:

1. Our relationship with God is restored and opens us up to His blessings and peace.

 Ps 32:1-2,6   Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.

 2. The relationship with Jesus on a day-by-day basis is restored and enjoyed.

I John 1:7-9

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

* From Search for Significance, McGee, Lifeway Publishers

** From The Power to Forgive, Hirtler, Amazon.com