Seven Questions to Help Determine if You Have Unforgiveness

I want to continue on the subject we started last week from Matthew 6:14-15 dealing with unforgiveness. If you missed it, check it out here.

CHURCH FADS

As Christians, we’ve all seen our fair share of church fads, none greater than the classic “WWJD” bracelet. Now, I know many preachers seem to poke fun at the concept, but that’s just because it wasn’t their idea. Though important for all areas of life, when it comes to the subject of unforgiveness, it might be time we whip those bracelets back out. Many Christians are excusing unforgiveness in their lives, and it is hurting no one more than them. One of Jesus’ most taught subjects was the subject of forgiveness, and no one has ever had to practice what they preach like Him. Remember, even as He was crucified, Jesus was saying “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:23 NKJV)

SEVEN FACADES

If we want to be like Jesus we must address the areas in our life that do not line up with His character. Are you harboring unforgiveness? Before you religiously dismiss the question, I want us to explore some facades, that unforgiveness tends to hide behind, by asking seven simple questions:

1. Are you chronically negative?

Chronic negativity often points to a crippling experience in the past. Does your chronic negativity spring from an area you are harboring unforgiveness?

2. Are you continually suspicious?

In the church world, we’ve sadly made the mistake on many occasions by calling this “discernment”. I believe in the gift of discernment but it is not the same as suspicion. Check yourself. Suspicion typically has its roots in past betrayal.

3. Are you critical of others?

You’ve seen it before. Someone who seemed to have it all together was really just waiting for their moment to stab you in the back. Who is to say that anyone else is really any different? Ever had these thoughts? They stem from heartache that hasn’t been healed because of unforgiveness. 

4. Are you constantly guarded?

If you’re continually telling yourself, “I won’t let that happen to me again”, you’ve got to let go of the pain of yesterday. What looks like a shield in your eyes is really just a prison cell. It is keeping others out, but it’s keeping you locked in.

5. Are you continually trying to prove yourself?

The problems in your past have caused you to question your value. Consequently, you are trying to prove to yourself, and to others, that you are worth something. It’s an endless cycle that can only really be conquered by forgiving those who made you question your value.

6. Are you consistently rehearsing past betrayals?

If your mind is consumed by past betrayal, it’s a sign that the enemy is trying to keep you in bondage. I don’t believe in “forgive and forget”. God doesn’t just erase things from your brain. However, once you truly forgive, you refuse to dwell on it. 

7. Are caught in the comparison trap?

Why do we compare ourselves with each other? It is because we assume that as long as we aren’t where others are, we are ok. However, God is not judging us based upon where others are. He is looking at where we are. Have you really forgiven?

Unforgiveness is a lie. What looks like a shield in your eyes is really just a prison cell. Share on X

WWJD?

As a kid on my way to school, each day my mom would sing this one song over and over to get our minds going in the right direction. The opening line was, “What would Jesus do if He walked in my shoes?” It may seem cliché, but really what would Jesus do in your situation? We both know He would forgive. Ask God for help, quit letting unforgiveness hide behind the facade, and truly forgive.