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Unforgiveness is the state of holding onto resentment, bitterness, or anger towards someone for a perceived wrong, refusing to grant them pardon or reconciliation.
Why is forgiveness needed? It all stems back to the original sin within the book of Genesis.
God gave instructions to Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, which represents good and evil. Genesis 3:3 records Eve reminding the serpent of God's instruction. "But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." We see in Genesis 3:6 where Adam and Eve gave into the temptation. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
If you recall my initial definition of unforgiveness, then you understand God's resentment towards his creation's disobedience to his command within Genesis 3:3. You should understand that Adam And Eve's disobedience left a bitter taste in God's mouth. You should understand the anger God had towards them due to disobedience. You should understand the pain it caused God to judge a creation he loves. Wouldn't this cause you to feel all these things?
Considering these things, God Cast Adam and Eve out of the garden from his presence. God had to do this because iniquity now separated them from being in close communion. Genesis 3:26 confirms as follows, "Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken."
For man's fellowship to be re-established with God, the atonement of their sins must be accomplished. Ephesians 1:7 states as follows. ''In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace''
Here's what we need to realize, if God was willing to forgive us for the original offense of man in Genesis, why can't we forgive one another? One of the greatest deceptions in the church today is Christians thinking they still have the right to God's forgiveness and the right to hold grudges against their fellow brother or sister. If you can't forgive your fellow human's sins against you, then God can't forgive your human offenses against him. Matthew 6:14-15 states,"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
It's a deception to think we're still forgiven by God, but continue to hold grudges against our brother or sister. Unforgiveness is a form of pride, you are confirming that a person is not worthy of your forgiveness because they are lower than you. This is what it looks like in God's eyes. All offense is evil and equal, Romans 2:11 states; For there is no respect of persons with God. This means God's judgment of sin is the same, regardless of what it is. People think that being a pedophile is greater than a kid consciously stealing candy out of the store. According to God, if these sins aren't brought to him for forgiveness, they both would go to hell. Romans 6:23 states "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." According to this verse all who sin, regardless of conscious age or act deserve Hell. Once a child can comprehend good and evil, they are now responsible for their actions. This verse also confirms that the pedophile deserves forgiveness just as much as the sin-conscious child stealing candy out of the store.
In summary, no matter the size of the offense, no one is granted immunity from God's judgment. Regardless of the sin, God is willing to forgive all. I know the offense hurt you, and caused you to lose sleep at night. I know it caused you to lose your appetite. I know it cost you future good memories. I know it hurt your heart. I know it may have affected your job performance. I know it may have affected your family and friends. I know it affected your health. As valid as these are, they're still no excuse for unforgiveness. Are you willing to let pride in unforgiveness send you to hell? Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.'' Are you willing to share the same fate as all other non-forgivers (Christians included) who couldn't get out of self to offer unconditional pardon to others? No one hurts as much as God does towards humankind's offense towards him. No one can match God's anger towards humankind for their sense of rebellion. When you're before the judgment seat, remember you read this article warning you of its dangers. You can't expect the same mercy you weren't willing to give another on earth. If God can forgive sin, why can't you?
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