Set Free of Chains

In Matthew 6, we see Jesus teaching his disciples to pray. He taught we are first to forgive others before seeking God’s forgiveness for ourselves. “.. forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Matthew 6.12 (NLT)

He goes on to say, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins”. Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT)

Through the ‘Parable of the Unforgiving Servant’ (Matthew 18.21-35) Jesus helps us understand the need to forgive without reserve. In Mathew 18.21 we see Peter asking Jesus this question. Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” After answering Peter, “No, not seven times, but seventy times seven”, Jesus goes on to tell the parable of the unforgiving servant.

The King in the parable represents God while the servant and his debtor represent us. I am sure you are all familiar with the parable. In Matthew 18.32-34 the Bible says, “Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.”

The 35th verse is a warning, it says, “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Verse 35 is the key verse that will unlock many of the problems that we face today as believers.

In all our lives there are many people who have either wronged us or those we believe have wronged us. Soon after coming to know of God’s Love for us we willingly forgive many. But often there are forgotten unforgiveness or even deep rooted anger against person or persons that seems impossible to get rid off. Many of us struggle with such. Often the set formulas of confessing, forgiving, prayer of blessing, restitution if any etc, do not work. In such situations what do we do?

Unforgiveness binds a heavy chain around our neck with the other end firmly around the unforgiven person’s neck. If there is more than one person to forgive, then the number of chains will be equivalent to the number of people to be forgiven. So everytime you strive through faith or prayer to come out of debt, poverty, sickness etc you sense something dragging all over the place. Your ministry does not take off as it should have, your are experiencing constant marital strife, you are unable to hold on to jobs, friends, etc. Check your heart with the help of the Holy Spirit and see if there is unforgiveness in your life.

In addition to all these chains binding you to people there is the most heavy chain binding you to the devil. No matter how hard you pull, he will drag you to the lake of fire prepared for him and his demons.

What can I do to escape? What should I do to loosen these chains off my neck? The answer is simple. Pray for your enemy. Bless him/her in all the areas of their life. Pray for their salvation, healing, joy, peace and prosperity. Speak blessings into their life. Okay, now how often should I do this? As often as you remember them. If you remember them say ten times, pray for them ten times. If you remember them say 100 times, pray for them 100 times. When we do that, we will be obeying Jesus who he said, “No, not seven times, but seventy times seven”.

This will ensure that you will experience forgiveness in your heart and you will be loosed of your chains. You will also fulfill your calling to be a blessing to those in the dark.

So next time you feel offended, start praying for the offender all the blessing you desire for yourself. Speak out the blessings. Everytime you remember the bitter words, or the wrong done to you, speak words of blessing over their life. Be definite when you bless. Do not pray, “God bless them” or “I bless them in the Name of the Jesus”, or even “God Bless them for they know not what they do”. Speak specific blessings. “Lord Bless them in their finances”. “Lord, heal their back pain”. “Lord let there be peace in their family”. “Oh, Lord, I bless her womb in the Name of Jesus. May she be blessed with a child soon, Father.” These are just a few examples. You may know their exact needs. Pray for those needs, especially pray for their souls. Pray that they may experience the Love of God in their lives too and commit their lives to Jesus.

Do not pray selfishly. Pray without expecting anything for yourself. Your heavenly Father will bless you and keep you till your last as you walk in forgiveness and obedience to him.