Wednesday, 1^st April, 2026

Bible Reading:  Matthew 18: 23–35 

Memory Verse:  Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17 (NASB)

1. Jesus has a perfect example of One who forgave: It was Pastor Dolapo Lawal who said forgiveness is one of the Area of Concentration (AOCs) on the Judgement Day. You cannot afford to die unforgiving. Jesus made sure He didn’t make that mistake. On that cross He was offended. He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Jesus had to release His offenders so that He can be released from the grave. Jesus couldn’t have died with unforgiveness in His heart while He was dying for the atonement of the sins of the whole world. What unforgiveness does is that it contaminates you and then you start to produce bitter water. Your water becomes Mara and every unbeliever produces bitter water until a tree is put inside. That tree is the cross. Once the cross is put inside your water, then your water becomes drinkable.

2. Unforgiveness is a Silent Prison: Unforgiveness traps the one who holds it, not the one who caused the hurt. The person you refuse to forgive may have moved on, but you remain emotionally and spiritually stuck. You can pray, fast, sow seeds, attend vigils, but a heart that refuses to forgive locks its own destiny. Matthew 18:34–35 says “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you… does not forgive his brother from his heart.”

3. Unforgiveness Blocks God’s Voice: God speaks through a clean, quiet heart. A bitter heart cannot hear God clearly. That is why many people confuse their anger, their wounds, or their fears for the “leading of God.” You cannot carry offence and carry God at the same time. Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Bitterness clouds spiritual perception.

4. Forgiveness is Not Agreeing with What They Did: Forgiving someone does not mean what your offender did was right, or they deserve another chance, or you trust them again, or you feel good about the situation. Forgiveness simply means: “I release you so God can heal me.” Romans 12:17–19 says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord.” Forgiveness hands the case over to God.

5. Forgiveness is a Command, not a Suggestion: Jesus didn’t negotiate forgiveness. He said, “When you stand praying, forgive.” (Mark 11:25). This means forgiveness is a condition for answered prayers. Many things people are calling “delay” are actually unforgiveness blocking spiritual flow.

Quote: Forgiveness is a condition for answered prayers.

Prophetic Decree: Henceforth, you shall enjoy the grace and Oil of forgiveness, in Jesus name. 

Prayer: Father, I release every offence I have carried. I drop every weight, every wound, and every memory that hurts. Give me the grace to forgive, the courage to obey, and the strength to move forward healed and whole. Restore my peace, my joy, and my destiny. Amen.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Judges 6-7