SMR Prayer Group

1 Peter 5:6

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”

Recipe For Pain

Brenda Walsh

Walking around with an unforgiving heart - is a recipe for pain! It’s simply impossible to experience joy in your life if you are laden down with resentment, anger, or bitterness because of an injustice that you’ve experienced. You might be able to stuff all those feelings deep down inside where you think no one will notice, but the longer you keep them bottled up within, the more damage they will do. You may not even realize it, but unforgiveness has a way of coming out in negative ways and affects your deeds, words, and actions. But even worse than that, hiding all that bitterness will separate you from Jesus and you will miss out on eternal life. The Bible tells us in Mark 11:26, “But if you will not forgive, neither will your Father that is in heaven, forgive you your sins.” It doesn’t matter who or what caused the pain - nothing is worth missing out on heaven! Ask God to put forgiveness in your heart for those who have done you wrong, and it is then and only then you will experience the vibrant life God wants you to have. Unforgiveness is the recipe for pain . . . but Jesus is the cure!

Text: John 20:21-23,

21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

23 If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained." (John 20:21-23, NASB)

Matthew 6:14-15,

14 For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

15 But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. Fasting; The True Treasure; Wealth (Mammon) (Matthew 6:14, NASB)

Matthew 18:32-35,

32 Then summoning him, his lord *said to him, 'You wicked man, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.

33 Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow man, in the same way that I had mercy on you?'

34 And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him.

35 My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." (Matthew 18:32, NASB)

Psalm 86:5,

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. (Psalms 86:5, NASB)

Romans 15:5-6

5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,

6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6, NASB)