Unforgiveness is disobedience to God’s word. We are to forgive AS we have been forgiven. When we ignore that command, it weighs our hearts down. We become a stumbling block to others. When we finally obey His word, it takes away a burden we didn’t realize we were carrying.

Bitterness is one fruit of unforgiveness. It is poisonous and inedible. An unforgiving heart is tormented. Matthew 18:34. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” Buried unforgiveness blocks His grace, and is another reason for unanswered prayer.

Though this was written about Israel, we can make a personal application. Ezekiel 20:37 says, “I will make you pass under the rod…” When we ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts, we come under the life-giving scrutiny of our Shepherd’s rod.

Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Let this life-skill prayer be woven into the fabric of our lives.