Recently, the Lord was dealing with me concerning unforgiveness in my heart towards others. The Bible is full of scriptures concerning unforgiveness and a couple stood out to me.
First was John 20:23, “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” I don’t think Jesus was saying we can keep someone from having their sins forgiven by God, but rather until we do forgive others, they are not forgiven by us.
The second scripture is Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
When we are forgiven, that means it’s as though it never happened. It’s not a “second chance” like a judge would see on your rap sheet with all your priors. It is as though the judge has a folder on you with no offenses.
Forgiveness is the key to reconciliation with God and anyone else in your life. Unforgiveness leads to so much bad, like bitterness. Unforgiveness is the fertile soil in which bitterness can grow some deep roots. Before long if one is not careful, they will find their heart becoming a garden full of thriving plants of bitterness.
I think a great example of this is illustrated in the above photo I shot years ago while covering a story about a man who became filled with bitterness and decided to kill himself and as many other innocent others he could by flying his small plane full of fuel into an IRS building here in Austin, Texas.
Joseph Stack had first become angry with God and the Church. Soon his garden was full of more bitterness against specific corporations, individuals, and the IRS. In my opinion, the man developed a beef with God. Soon he found himself in financial troubles. He had a choice to either humble himself and ask for Gods help starting with forgiving God. Option two would have been to dig his heals in against God.
I had some financial issues and without realizing it began to hold unforgiveness towards God. Once I realized this, thanks to Gods loving convictions, I chose to forgive and very soon after that, I received miraculous financial relief! I believe Mr. Stack would have experience the same had he simply humbled himself before God and trusted Him by forgiving Him.
Unforgiveness is the root of to much evil and the ruin of many good men!
The Jesusfreak
Photo Epistles 
Hi Kevin. Remember me?? I was just looking at pictures of our Israeli trip & was wondering how you & Leslie are doing. I’ve not heard from anyone else, except for right after we got back. The trip was so incredibly full, that I am still processing it in my little pea rain!! Anyway, would love to see some of your pictures. Is there a site where I can view them?? Praying all is well with you both. Sharon
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Hi Sharon,
I had put this site down for 10 years and just today felt convicted by God to pick it back up again and saw your message. I’m a little slow…LOL:) Would love to reconnect give us a call. Leslie’s number is 512-636-7373.
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