Hello Beloved,
There are many believers who are tormented by thoughts from the past, present and future. Thoughts of trauma and circumstances, low esteem and many lies from the enemy. A way to escape such torment is found in today’s reading.
Matthew 18.21-35 21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses. The whole premise of this story, Jesus told is about a servant who is forgiven but did not forgive. None of us are perfect. You have made mistakes. God looks at all unrighteousness as sin. We all have missed the mark. Therefore, it is imperative to forgive whenever the opportunity arises. Let’s look at verses 34 and 35. “And his master was angry and delivered him to his torturers… so my heavenly Father also will do to you…"
Unforgiveness will deliver torment. According to the following scriptures, we can expect additional consequences, if we refuse to forgive those who sin against us.
God your Father will not forgive you. Matthew 6.14-18.
Satan will take advantage of you. Read Corinthians 2.10-11.
Torturer is another word for torment. Torment means mental anguish, to experience severe physical or mental suffering. A tormentor is a person whose business of torturing is assigned. Let’s ponder for a moment. Being unwilling to forgive will cause one to experience physical, emotional and spiritual torture or torment such as: sadness, fear, anxiety, depression, anger, mental anguish, physical ailments manifested from inner turmoil. Beloved, forgiveness may seem difficult, however, the Lord has provided a way to release, be free and be healed. And no one is worth your sanity and peace of mind.
Call to Action: There may be someone who comes to your mind you need to forgive. Pray the prayer of forgiveness:
1. Close your eyes, and enter prayer. Drop down into your spirit, your secret closet where your Father is.
2. Feel the pain from the offense and release it to God
3. Tell God you forgive the person and release the offense to Him
4. You place the offender in His hands. Repent from holding on to bitterness and resentment
5. Receive forgiveness for yourself and allow God’s presence to cleanse you.
6. Worship the Lord as he removes all the bitterness and sin.
7. Now rest in His peace and joy.
If you need guidance in praying and releasing please contact me through my website. www.LydiaRugh.com to schedule a prayer session.