Heavenly Father, I stand before You, acknowledging the weight of unforgiveness in my heart. I recognize that harboring unforgiveness conflicts with Your teachings, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:14-15, '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.' Help me, Lord, to truly understand and embody this principle.
I seek the courage and humility to forgive, just as You have forgiven me in Christ. In Luke 17:4, Jesus said, 'If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.' Let this reminder of limitless forgiveness guide my actions and soften my heart.
Guide me through the healing process from the hurt that causes this unforgiveness. Your Word in Psalm 34:18 reassures me that 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.' Grant me the comfort of Your presence in my pain and the strength to move beyond it.
Replace my bitterness with the peace of Your Spirit, as You instruct us in Romans 12:18, 'If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.' May my journey toward forgiveness lead to a deeper understanding of Your grace and a stronger faith in Your just and loving ways.
In this path toward releasing unforgiveness, remind me of the freedom it brings – freedom that reflects Your love and mercy. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and new beginnings, Amen.