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CHAPTER 21 OF THE BOOK, TAKING EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE-RESETTING YOUR THINKING. THIS AN UPDATE ON THE CHAPTER.

BY ISAIAH-PHILLIPS AKINTOLA

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

The concept of forgiveness is a profound fundamental truth in human development, transformation and success, is often misunderstood and misapplied, not because the Scriptures are unclear on the matter, but rather because we tend to interpret it through our own flawed human perspective or even through a distorted religious lens. This is a common mistake often made in human understanding of subjects like love, marriage, money, and leadership.

When it comes to forgiveness, it is important to approach it from God’s heavenly perspective, rather than our own limited human understanding, personal experiences, or emotional reactions. When we define forgiveness based on our pain, disappointment, or the injustice we’ve experienced, we miss its transforming power. God’s intention behind forgiveness isn’t rooted in human logic, but in divine wisdom; wisdom that heals, restores, and sets the human heart free.

When looking at forgiveness from a divine perspective, we suddenly realize that it is not solely about justifying the actions of the other person, but rather releasing oneself from the burden of anger and resentment. It’s about liberating you from the prison of bitterness, resentment, and spiritual stagnation. Jesus made this clear in Matthew 6:14-15, where He ties our forgiveness of others to our own ability to receive God’s forgiveness:

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Forgiveness is a powerful spiritual law that allows for the constant flow of God’s voice and blessings into one’s life and surrounding atmosphere, while the refusal to forgive, or holding onto grudges and resentment, blocks this spiritual flow and hinders the abundance of blessings designed for us and others in our family. When we hold onto unforgiveness, it effectively shuts the door on the blessings of grace, mercy, peace, and divine renewal that could be available to us. When we choose not to forgive, we set ourselves in opposition to God’s redemptive wisdom and plan—not only for others, but also for ourselves.

Remember, Christ has already done everything needed to free you from the past. He is waiting for you to make the choice to let go. The future God designed for you can only be activated when you see your past through His perspective and allow it to be consumed by the newness of your regenerated spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17). The pain of your past may be real, but the glory that awaits you far outweighs it.
Modern culture, with its distorted views of justice and revenge, has led many to cling to bitterness and anger. This worldview doesn’t allow room for the values of love, forgiveness, and mercy, and as a result, many people are trapped in a cycle of resentment and bitterness. We see the effects of this in rising levels of depression, emotional instability, and hatred, especially among young adults.

Do Not Conform To The Pattern Of This World.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. As much as we must pursue justice, we also need to remind ourselves that we have the power to let go. God has given us the grace to break free from the chains of the past. Letting go of past hurts allows us to move forward in experiencing the joy and peace that God ordained for us. You cannot live in the past and expect to have a productive future.

Many Christians, including leaders remain trapped in their past, imprisoned by the painful memories and experiences that continue to haunt them. Your life will only be as good as the state of the mind you choose to offer to God in the wisdom of embracing the value of forgiveness. Present success and achievements cannot heal past wounds, disappointments, and injustices without embracing the principle of mind renewal for inner reform and transformation. When the past becomes your measuring stick for success, it distorts your view of the present and future leading. This is a tactic the enemy uses to keep people stuck in a cycle of emotional pain and defeat. Many are caught in this trap, leading to depression and even suicidal thoughts.

To break free from the past, you must consciously immerse yourself in God’s presence by regularly feeding your spirit and soul with God’s Word. The Word has the power to wash away the remnants of the past and empower you to stand firm in your identity in Christ. Every time you recall your past, you can declare victory because of what Christ accomplished for you on the cross.

No matter what you know on a spiritual level, if your past still holds power over you, it will hinder your growth and transformation. Make it a daily habit to create new neuron pathways of thinking that align with God’s promises, so you can override the negative patterns of your past. As John 1:4-5 says, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all humans. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” When God’s light through the ministry of God’s word is allowed to penetrate and illuminate your innermost being, the inner darkness of mental and emotional strongholds will progressively loose its hold and control over your thought system and mindset.

By fully embracing the wisdom and power of forgiveness, you can experience a truly transformative life that will not only impact on your own personal growth, but also those around you. Through this powerful act of forgiveness, you will gain a clearer understanding of the transformations taking place within your own life and the lives of those closest to you. In doing so, you will walk in the fullness of the life Christ intended for you.