Forgive by Faith—Not Feelings

by Kenneth Copeland

Spiritually speaking, unforgiveness is downright dangerous. It will make your spirit feeble and your prayers ineffective. Unforgiveness will pull the plug on your faith so completely that you won’t have enough power to move the molehills in your life—much less the mountains. Jesus concluded one of His most powerful teachings on faith with these words, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any…” (Mark 11:25). Jesus didn’t say when you stand praying try to forgive if you can. He simply said, forgive. Period.

Jesus did not suggest that we forgive. He made forgiveness a command. And it would be unjust for Him to command us to do something we could not do. Therefore, we know it is within our ability to obey His command to forgive—no matter what the circumstances. Most people don’t realize it, but unforgiveness is actually a form of fear. Quite often we don’t forgive because we’re afraid of getting hurt again. We’re afraid we will never recover from the damage someone has done to our lives.

You may feel that way right now. But the truth of the matter is, you can rely on the fact that your God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Let the knowledge of the merciful, protective love of God cast out all your fears (1 John 4:18).

Then forgive by faith, not by feelings. Do it the same way you would receive healing or anything else by faith. First, make a quality decision to act on God’s Word.

Second, speak and act in accordance with that decision. Refuse to say anything negative about anyone who has hurt you. Refuse to rehearse in your mind or with your mouth the hurt they have caused you. Instead, look for opportunities to bless them both in word and in deed.

Finally, don’t be moved by what you feel. Forgiveness isn’t an emotion — it’s an act of your will. And when your will lines up with the will of God, heaven’s choice blessings are yours!