THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS AND FAITH IN GOD By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
Forgiveness is a foundational principle in the Kingdom of God, yet it remains one of the most difficult disciplines for many believers to embrace. Unforgiveness creates spiritual barriers that hinder our relationship with God and prevent us from walking in His divine favor. Faith and forgiveness are interconnected; the more we trust in God, the more we are empowered to forgive. This teaching explores the necessity of forgiveness, the dangers of idolatry in our spiritual journey, and the power of steadfast faith in God's divine will.
________________________________________
THE NECESSITY OF FORGIVENESS
Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
God calls us to forgive just as we have been forgiven. When we hold onto resentment, we create a spiritual blockage that affects not only our prayer life but also our overall spiritual well-being. Jesus emphasized that forgiveness is not optional for those who desire to live in obedience to the Father.
Unforgiveness breeds bitterness and stagnation, preventing the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Many believers struggle with deep wounds from past experiences, but God's power is able to heal and restore them completely. The moment we choose to release others from their offenses, we also release ourselves from the chains of bondage that hinder our spiritual growth.
________________________________________
THE DANGER OF SPIRITUAL IDOLATRY
Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before me."
Idolatry is not limited to the worship of graven images; it also includes anything that we place above God in our hearts. Many believers idolize past spiritual experiences, refusing to move forward in the new direction where the Holy Spirit is leading. When we cling to past encounters with God rather than seeking fresh revelations, we become spiritually stagnant.
Like the Israelites who refused to let go of their dependence on Egypt, many believers today remain attached to old traditions that prevent them from growing in their faith. The Spirit of God requires us to be flexible and obedient, constantly moving in alignment with His divine will.
________________________________________
THE CALL TO STEADFAST FAITH
Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Faith is the foundation of our walk with God. It is through faith that we access His promises, experience His power, and receive the grace to overcome life’s challenges. Many believers struggle with doubt, but God reminds us that faith must be unwavering.
The religious leaders in Jesus' time resisted the move of God because of their rigid traditions. They rejected the truth and clung to their man-made customs, even conspiring to crucify the very Messiah they had been waiting for. Today, we must guard our hearts against religious pride and choose to trust in God's divine plan rather than our own understanding.
________________________________________
THE CONSEQUENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE
Deuteronomy 28:15 - "But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you."
Disobedience separates us from God’s blessings and exposes us to unnecessary suffering. The Israelites repeatedly disobeyed God, refusing to submit to His commands. Their rebellion resulted in judgment, captivity, and hardships.
Similarly, when we refuse to follow God’s will and remain rigid in our own ways, we hinder His blessings in our lives. The true path to prosperity and spiritual growth is through total submission to the will of God.
________________________________________
SUMMARY
Forgiveness and faith are essential components of the Christian journey. Unforgiveness holds us captive, while faith liberates us to walk in divine purpose. Idolatry, whether in the form of past experiences or rigid traditions, prevents spiritual growth. Obedience to God leads to abundant blessings, while disobedience invites unnecessary hardships.
________________________________________
CONCLUSION
God is calling His people to walk in complete forgiveness, faith, and obedience. When we release bitterness and choose to trust in His divine plan, we experience His miraculous power in our lives. Just as Jesus walked in complete surrender to the Father, we too must align ourselves with His perfect will.
________________________________________
CALL TO ACTION
Examine your heart today. Are there areas where you have harbored unforgiveness? Have you been resistant to the move of the Holy Spirit? Make a conscious decision to release the past and embrace the new things God is doing in your life.
________________________________________
FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
God desires to bring you into a place of rest, peace, and victory. Do not allow past wounds, traditions, or doubts to hold you back. Walk boldly in faith, trusting that He is leading you into His perfect will.
________________________________________
PRAYER OF SALVATION
Heavenly Father, I come before You today, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I repent of my sins and surrender my life to You. Come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me to walk in faith, forgiveness, and obedience to Your will. Thank You for Your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
