Forgiveness and Freedom | Unlocking God’s Power in Your Life

Forgiveness and freedom go hand in hand—they are important keys to walking in victory and your true identity in Jesus. Forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened to you doesn’t matter. It’s not denial. 

Forgiveness is release from the poison of bitterness that blocks healing and stunts your spiritual growth. Jesus wants you to be whole, to trust Him as your Defender, and to release everyone and everything to Him. Let’s look at the principles of forgiveness in the Bible.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

In Matthew 18, Jesus shares this parable: 

“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ 

“Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.  And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 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. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

“‘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!” So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 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. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 

“‘So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.’”—Matthew 18: 21-35

Like Peter, we often ask, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Some relationships consistently seem to test the boundaries in our lives, creating deep wounds and distrust.

It is in our nature as human beings to recoil when we’ve been offended or hurt by others, and often boundaries are needed. But we must release the person in our hearts, practice forgiveness, and hand the situation over to Yeshua, even when it’s difficult and seems impossible. 

Forgiveness and Freedom in Spiritual Warfare  

Forgiveness is a powerful act of spiritual warfare. When we lay down our rights to seek recompense from another, we act as God has toward us. 

When Yeshua died on the cross, He bore the judgment that was initially meant for humankind. He stood in our place so we didn’t have to pay the penalty for our sinful nature. 

God is a righteous judge. He is justice in its purest form. There had to be consequences for our sin, because a Holy God cannot share space with sin. His desire is for relationship with us, to reconcile us to Himself, so He chose to send His Son to stand in our place. 

Truly, the Father and Son both chose together. Yeshua had a choice to take our punishment, and He surrendered His will to the Father (Luke 22:42).

When we consciously choose to forgive others, even when they are undeserving, we sow the same mercy our Heavenly Father sowed into us. 

Forgiveness is not a feeling but a choice we make. Sometimes you have to go to the Lord and be reminded that you chose it. Often, this can be difficult, and it takes time to heal from the past as we choose to move forward. 

The Cost of Unforgiveness  

When we hold a grudge and remain stuck in unforgiveness, it affects every area of our lives. We can become trapped in a moment in time, unable to receive hope and vision for our future. In the spiritual realm, unforgiveness…

• Gives the enemy a claim against you
• Causes a root of bitterness to grow
• Can lead to sickness in your mind, body, and spirit
• Pushes God away in the very area He needs to draw near

Forgiveness releases you from the prison of offense, allowing God’s love and light to come in. Forgiveness is not burying the offense and pretending the pain isn’t real. It does not excuse the actions of the offender. It is freedom for you and the only path to true healing. It’s an act of trusting in God as your vindicator, defender, and protector. 

Receiving God’s Forgiveness 

Receiving forgiveness can be just as challenging as offering it. In many cases, Believers carry guilt and shame from their past, even though the Word states, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12).

Why is this? 

Sometimes, we can understand in our heads that God offers forgiveness, but it hasn’t taken root in our hearts. We haven’t received God’s forgiveness because we haven’t forgiven ourselves. 

Do you feel you have to earn the gift of forgiveness? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the forgiveness and freedom He is offering you, with no strings attached. Choose to receive God’s grace and mercy and break agreement with the enemy who is keeping you in chains.

You can experience true wholeness. God promises to make you a new creation in Him, removing your sins as far as the east is from the west (2 Corinthians 5:17, Psalm 103:12).

God wants you to walk in forgiveness and freedom on behalf of others and yourself. Where His Spirit is, there is freedom, and as a born-again Believer, His Spirit dwells within you. You are free and forgiven in Jesus’ Name! 

Choose to believe Him and be like Him, as He takes you from glory to glory in your spiritual growth and transformation journey.