What If We Don’t Forgive?

We just wrapped up a 6-week study on the subject of forgiveness at my current church – Grace Community Church. In this study, we did an exposition of the Epistle to Philemon, had a topical lesson on the differing views of forgiveness (unconditional vs. conditional) and then had a Q/A time.

The final question asked in today’s Q/A was this: “What happens if I don’t forgive?” And I thought I would post my answer (per the questioner’s request).

I gave 7 answers to the question.

1. If you don’t forgive, the devil will get a stronghold in your life (Eph 4:26-27). 2. If you don’t forgive, you will not be forgiven by God (Matt 6:12-15). 3. If you don’t forgive, your prayers will not manifest any fruit (Mark 11:20-25). 4. if you don’t forgive, your worship will not be received (Matt 5:23-24). 5. If you don’t forgive, you might create division. 6. If you don’t forgive, you will halt or slow down your sanctification (II Cor 12:10). 7. If you don’t forgive, you will be damned.