We want to have a good brain as we age; a brain that has good thoughts and functions well. This week we are fasting negative thoughts - fear, failure, disappointment, or trouble, any thought of criticism, or spite, or jealousy, or condemnation of others, or self-condemnation. Today we are fasting thoughts of unforgiveness.
OUR MENTAL DIET – FASTING UNFORGIVING THOUGHTS: You know the ones, the thoughts where Satan reminds you constantly of how badly you were treated and how unkind someone was. What a hypocrite they are to treat you that way but still call themselves a Christian! These are the thoughts that we will be fasting. Yes, they were wrong and shouldn’t have done that, but Jesus said we must forgive. The good news is that forgiveness is not a feeling, it’s a decision based on obedience. And we make that decision in faith with God’s help.
In Matthew 18, Jesus tells a parable about a man who refuses to forgive someone even after he has been forgiven. And Jesus describes the consequences of that unforgiveness as being like torture. Let’s stop torturing ourselves. Let’s fast all thoughts of all unkindness ever done to us. The unkindness we remember exists in the past. Let it stay there. Move into your future with God’s blessings and without the baggage of unforgiveness.
Also, be aware that unforgiveness can block prayers, including prayers for healing. In his book “A More Excellent Way”, Dr. Henry W. Wright says “The first block to healing is unforgiveness and this is the most important one. If we don’t get this first block dealt with, we are going no further in any dimensions. We are wasting our time.” For both mental and physical health, forgive.
VERSES ON FORGIVENESS:
Ephesians 4:32: Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Mark 11:25: But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
Matthew 18:21-22: Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”
Colossians 3:13: Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Day 10 Challenge – Fast Unforgiveness: 1) Fast all thoughts about those who have hurt you. When the enemy reminds you of things they’ve done say, “No, I’ve forgiven that person by faith. I refuse to think that thought.” 2) Pray blessings for that person. As Jesus said “pray for them which despitefully use you” Matthew 5:44
We have affirmation cards and a free download on forgiving others.