Summary:

When you refuse to forgive others, you are unable to receive forgiveness and answered prayers from God. But when you set your will to forgive, God forgives you and cleanses you from
unrighteousness so that you can escape the guilt, condemnation and fear
associated with sin.

1. God forgives, loves and accepts Christians based on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 1:6-7).
   1. Condemnation is an emotion associated with guilt and fear that makes us feel unworthy and undeserving of God's blessings.
   2. Sin robs us of the boldness and confidence we need to believe that God's Word will work in our lives.
      1. Sin often stops people from praying, believing and attending church.
         
         
2. God blots out our transgressions so that He can bless us despite our shortcomings (Isaiah 43:25, AMP).
   1. God cleanses us from unrighteousness when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9).
      1. God erases our sins and promises never to remember them again.
         1. Just as God forgets our sins, we should also forget them.
         2. Remembering past sins opens the door for condemnation, guilt and lack of confidence toward God.
         3. If you remember your sin and meditate on it, you will eventually repeat it.
   2. God instructed us to remind Him of our merits (Isaiah 43:26, AMP).
      1. Boldly remind God that you are in right-standing with Him through Jesus Christ and that you expect to receive His blessings and favor.
   3. Jesus nailed our sins to the cross and wiped them out forever (Colossians 2:12-14).
      
      
3. God requires that Christians forgive those who sin against them (Mark 11:25-26).
   1. If we refuse to forgive others, we will not be forgiven.
   2. Prayers are hindered when unforgiveness operates in our lives.
      1. Unforgiveness is a fear-based stronghold that hinders the blessings of God.
      2. Deliverance, promotion, healing and increase are directly linked to forgiveness.
      3. Forgiveness is an act of faith, given in spite of another person's actions.
         1. Jesus instructed us to declare our forgiveness for others each time we pray (Matthew 6:12).
            
            
4. God has forgiven our sin debt, so we must forgive each other of all debts, regardless of the severity or frequency (Matthew 18:21-35).
   1. Jesus told Peter that there is no limit to the number of times we must forgive (v. 21-22).
   2. Those who refuse to forgive others are considered wicked (v. 32).
      1. Unforgiveness opens the door to torment (v. 34).
         
         
5. Forgiveness is an act of the will and a decision to walk in the love of God.
   1. Loving others involves forgiving them just as readily as Jesus forgives us (Colossians 3:13, AMP).
      1. Married couples should be mindful to forgive each other instantly so that their prayers will not be hindered (1 Peter 3:7).

Scripture References:

• Ephesians 1:6-7
• Isaiah 43:25-26, AMP
• 1 John 1:9
• Colossians 2:12-14, AMP
• Mark 11:25-26
• Matthew 6:12
• Matthew 18:23
• Colossians 3:13, AMP
• 1 Peter 3:7