As I conclude this blog series, I would like to genuinely thank you for checking it out. I hope you’ve gotten value from the perspective I’ve presented as I know it’s just one piece of the puzzle concerning the topic. There are many other great entreaties on the subject that may give you even more insight. Please don’t stop learning as much as you can about prayer. It is the only communication tool we have to touch Heaven. Understanding and deploying this powerful tool will allow us to be of great value to the Kingdom of God.
I’d like to complete this post with a principle that has, in many ways, been overlooked: The Principle of Release. What is this principle? It is the power the Lord gave us to forgive sins. You might say, “Wait a cotton pickin’ minute!” When did Jesus give us the authority to forgive sins? Ok…before you wig out on me remember prayer is a legal instrument that allows us to petition the Court of Heaven. In a nut shell, we have an Adversary who constantly argues against our right to the pardon from sins Jesus died to offer us as revealed in the Book of Job chapter 1; verses 6 through 11. For this reason he is called, “the Accuser of the brethren.” (Revelation 12:10)
Imagine the Court of Heaven having a prosecutor and defense just like we have in our judicial system. The prosecutor in this scenario is Satan and Jesus is seated at the right-hand of the Father making intercession on our behalf. Every time Satan accuses you or me of something it has to be addressed by our Advocate. However, unresolved sin cannot be defended. It has to be confessed to and mitigated through the Blood of the Lamb. How does this process work? Jesus revealed it in Matthew chapter 6; verses 14 and 15:
"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Did you catch that? This is very important! We have the authority to forgive sins however; if we refuse to forgive those who have sinned against us we put ourselves in legal jeopardy. We also are exposed to the accusations of the enemy and our refusal ties God’s hands from being able to receive our petitions. In other words, we lose our righteousness (right standing) in the Court. Therefore, sin unchecked in any capacity leaves us vulnerable to Satan’s deceptions and ultimately his influences. Jesus gave us the actual principle that keeps us from being trapped by the tricks of the devil. We must forgive the trespasses of those who have trespassed against us. This will keep us from being led into evil or touched by the evil one.
I’ve often wondered why good people end up in very bad situations. Or why it’s harder for some to move forward in their lives verses others. If you dig deep enough, in most cases, you’d find unresolved forgiveness. Folks hold on to things that happened when they were children. Some people can’t get past their past; they just refuse to let whatever happened to them go. Have you ever talked to someone who is holding onto a grudge against someone else? They always seem angry, disgruntled, mad at the world etc. What they don’t understand is that the same sins they leave unresolved they retain to themselves. Simply put, you become what you hate or hold in disdain. Here’s what the Lord disclosed in John chapter 20; verses 23:
"If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained."
What? This is a very powerful life changing principle! Whoever sins I forgive they are forgiven or released, but whoever sins I retain they are retained to me (I keep them). Family, it is very important that we understand this principle because, all of us have experienced hurt by someone. It may have come at the hands of someone close to us; a bff or a close associate. The most significant hurt comes from family. I’m sure there’s a ton of actuary statics on crimes perpetrated by family members against other family members. Some of the pain runs so deep that it can’t be easily shaken. However, if we want to move closer to God or take the weight that un-forgiveness imposes on us; we must master the Principle of Release.
If you struggle with forgiving someone for doing something against you, here’s a suggestion. Write down every person that has hurt you starting as far back as you can remember up to the present. You don’t have to write down their offenses if you don’t want to; the only thing necessary is their names. Go into your secret place and present them before Heaven with the honest intent to forgive them for what they have done to you or even someone close to you. Then ask the Lord to forgive you for holding on to their sins. The result will be their sins will be released and you will be made legally whole as offered in the following disclosed in 1 John chapter 1; verse 19:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we follow the Principle of Release, we will receive forgiveness and our legal standing in the Court will be restored. This obliterates Satan’s influence over your life. He no longer has anything he can say against you especially since the Defense has declared you righteous! Through His Blood you are absolved of all your trespasses and sins. Remember, prayer is legal. It gives us a voice in Heaven! Be blessed God willing.
