We are currently in the Hebrew month of Iyar which is represented by the tribe of Issachar. The Issachar tribe had an anointing to understand times and seasons and move ahead into the things of God. We can position ourselves to do the same thing by letting the Lord untether us from things that stop us - things like unforgiveness. The trap of unforgiveness blocks us from receiving anything new by keeping us chained to the past. Unforgiveness is the number one thing the enemy convinces us to hold on to in order to stop us from becoming all that we can be.

Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32

Life is not always easy or fair and we all go through difficult situations, abuses and unjust circumstances. No one on the planet is exempt from this. We also live with other people, who like ourselves, are not perfect. We hurt and disappoint each other all the time. But this can’t stop us from moving forward unless we choose to hold on instead of letting go to reach forward to the new. This is not always a quick process, but it is a necessary one because unforgiveness opens up the door to anger, bitterness, hatred and deception just to name a few.

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. - Matthew 6:15

Forgiveness is so important that Jesus demonstrated it as He hung on the cross. Stripped of his clothing, beaten beyond recognition, crucified, and mocked by the crowd, He asked His Father, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. He showed us not only how to do it but empowers us by His Holy Spirit to do it daily as we journey through life.

We can make a million excuses as to why we can’t or won’t forgive. We often want to justify our feelings and put them above what is the right thing to do. Sometimes when we hurt or disappoint others, we want to be forgiven but we don’t extend that same offer back to others. I wonder if it is because we judge what we do by our intentions but we judge others by their actions? Judgement - or deciding what ourselves and others deserve - is a big motivating factor as to why we choose to hold onto unforgiveness. The next time we get the chance to forgive, let’s remember that we were forgiven first and ask the Lord for the help we need to let go.

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. - Colossians 3:13

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence. - Ephesians 1:7-8