Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” –Matthew 25:41 NIV
Forgiveness is something we all struggle with. Have you ever wondered why? Have you always assumed that it was because we’re all flawed and imperfect? While that is surely part of the problem, there’s another reason we fail to consider. Without Christ there is no hope for any of us. We can’t earn, deserve, or merit salvation. The only reason we can go to God is because we have believed upon His Son Jesus Christ. Without Him, we are doomed. However, humans weren’t the first to fall.Lucifer became so impressed with his own beauty, intelligence, power, and position that he began to desire the honor that belonged only to God. Pride, a sin that began long before the fall of humankind, controlled him. In Ezekiel 28:11-19, we read of the devil’s fall.When Adam and Eve sinned, God provided Jesus to atone for that sin. When the angels fell, there was no atonement. If the devil can keep us from forgiving each other, isn’t he getting back at God for forgiving us? Doesn’t this prove that the devil is behind the unforgiving spirit? Keep short accounts, don’t let the enemy win, FORGIVE others as God forgives us.
Holding a grudge is not worth it.
Ask for the grace to forgive. Pray for a spirit of forgiveness and compassion.