The Power of Forgiveness: A Key to Healing and Deliverance – Mercy, Grace, and Love - Article and Video of the May 12, 2025, online FREE Deliverance Webinar
Forgiveness is not merely a kind gesture or a suggestion from Scripture—it is a divine command, foundational to the Christian life. It is the heartbeat of God’s redemptive plan, intricately woven into the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, many believers live in bondage, unaware that unforgiveness is a spiritual stronghold blocking their healing, peace, and deliverance.
Forgiveness isn't always easy, especially when the pain cuts deep. But Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18), and that healing often begins with choosing to forgive. Whether the wound came from betrayal, abuse, neglect, or rejection, the key to moving forward lies in mercy, grace, and love—the very character of God.
The Biblical Mandate to Forgive
Scripture does not leave forgiveness as an option for followers of Christ. In fact, forgiveness is a requirement. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14–15 (NIV):
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
This passage should stop us in our tracks. It reveals a powerful spiritual law: God ties His forgiveness of us to our forgiveness of others. Harboring unforgiveness becomes a wall between us and the Father. It hinders our prayers, obstructs our spiritual growth, and invites spiritual torment.
The Hidden Cost of Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness is not just a private emotion; it is a spiritual toxin. Hebrews 12:15 warns:
“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 doesn’t stay contained. It spreads. It poisons not just the one who holds it, but those around them—defiling relationships, distorting perception, and even affecting physical health. Emotional turmoil can manifest in anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Studies, as well as Christian health ministries, have shown that long-term bitterness can suppress immune function and increase susceptibility to disease. Spiritually, bitterness gives legal access to the enemy.
When we do not forgive, we enter into a kind of communion with bitterness. Just as communion with Christ brings life, communion with bitterness brings death—spiritually, emotionally, and sometimes physically. It becomes a spiritual agreement with darkness. Instead of fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit, we become entangled with a demonic stronghold that feeds on unresolved offense.
Ephesians 4:26–27 puts it plainly:
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
That foothold becomes a stronghold when anger and offense are nurtured instead of released. We may feel justified, but the enemy doesn’t play fair. Bitterness, when nurtured, becomes a partner with spirits of anger, division, and torment.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:21–35 is one of the clearest illustrations of the consequences of unforgiveness. A servant is forgiven a great debt by his master but refuses to forgive a smaller debt owed to him by a fellow servant. The master, enraged by the servant’s lack of mercy, hands him over to the tormentors.
Jesus concludes:
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (v. 35)
The term tormentors is sobering. In the spiritual realm, unforgiveness opens doors to torment—mental anguish, depression, and demonic oppression. Deliverance ministers often encounter individuals who cannot receive freedom until they release the person who hurt them.
When we hold onto bitterness, we become spiritually entangled with the one who wounded us. It’s like carrying them on your back—reliving the moment repeatedly, replaying the offense, rehearsing the pain. Peace vanishes. Sleep becomes restless. Relationships suffer. And all the while, the enemy whispers lies that justify our bitterness and keep us bound.
The Science Behind the Spirit
Even science confirms what Scripture has long taught. Studies on unforgiveness and bitterness reveal biological effects—stress hormones increase, immune systems weaken, and diseases like cancer and heart problems may be more likely to develop. Unforgiveness can activate epigenetic switches that negatively influence our DNA.
When we refuse to forgive, we literally put out the wrong chemicals in our bodies—stress, cortisol, and adrenaline—all of which can contribute to disease when chronically elevated. As Dr. Henry Wright of Be in Health ministries teaches, spiritual sin can impact physical health. And bitterness is a primary root behind many diseases.
Forgiveness: The Gateway to Healing and Deliverance
Forgiveness is often the number one block to healing and deliverance. When a person chooses to forgive from the heart, it’s like unlocking a prison door—releasing not only the offender, but also the offended. Physical healings, emotional restoration, and spiritual breakthroughs often follow genuine forgiveness.
Mark 11:25 (NIV) says:
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
God’s mercy flows freely when we align our hearts with His. Forgiveness is not about forgetting or excusing evil. It is about choosing freedom over bondage. It’s about giving God the gavel and allowing Him to be the righteous Judge.
Romans 12:19 reminds us:
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Forgiveness Is a Choice, Not a Feeling
One of the biggest lies the enemy tells is that we have to feel like forgiving. But feelings often lag behind obedience. Biblical forgiveness is a decision of the will. It’s a choice to say, “God, I trust You more than I trust my pain.”
Colossians 3:13 (NIV) instructs:
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Jesus didn't wait for us to ask before He offered forgiveness on the cross. He forgave while they mocked Him, while they nailed Him down.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
Can we do any less?
A Personal Story of Freedom
I once carried deep unforgiveness toward someone who betrayed me. I prayed for healing, but my prayers seemed to hit a ceiling. Peace eluded me. One night, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, "You are in communion with bitterness. Let it go."
I broke down. Through tears, I forgave—truly forgave. And almost instantly, a weight lifted. That night, I slept peacefully for the first time in months. Healing began. My relationship with God was restored, and the torment left.
Practical Steps to Forgive
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Acknowledge the Pain: Be honest with God about what happened. He already knows. Denial delays healing.
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Make the Decision to Forgive: Speak it out loud or in prayer: “Father, I choose to forgive [name] for [offense]. I release them into Your hands.”
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Repent for Holding Bitterness: Ask God to cleanse your heart of all resentment. He is faithful to forgive.
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Invite the Holy Spirit to Heal You: Emotional wounds can take time to heal. Ask for comfort and restoration.
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Bless Your Offender: Jesus commanded, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This disarms the enemy and shifts your heart toward compassion.
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Repeat if Necessary: Forgiveness is often layered. As deeper hurts surface, choose to forgive again.
Communion with Christ, Not Bitterness
Every day, we choose who we will commune with: Jesus, the Prince of Peace—or bitterness, the root of torment. Bitterness is a counterfeit communion. It consumes the mind, distorts the heart, and partners with darkness.
Jesus said in John 14:30:
“The prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me.”
Why did Satan have no foothold? Because there was no sin or unforgiveness in Jesus. We too must live clean, free from the snares of bitterness, so that the enemy has nothing in us.
Freedom Is on the Other Side
Forgiveness is the bridge between bondage and breakthrough. It is not weakness—it is supernatural strength. It does not mean reconciliation is always possible. It doesn’t mean trusting someone who has repeatedly harmed you. But it means releasing them from judgment and letting God be God.
If you struggle with unforgiveness, remember: You are not alone. Philippians 2:13 encourages:
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
He will give you the grace to forgive. As you let go of the offense, you will find that the prison you unlocked was your own.
Choose today to end communion with bitterness—and enter into true communion with Christ. The healing you long for is just on the other side of forgiveness.
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