by Kayla Kennada
Life will inevitably bring us face to face with moments that test our hearts — moments where someone has caused us pain, disappointment, or sorrow. In those moments, we are presented with a choice: forgive, or hold a grudge. Every person, at some point, will offend another, whether intentionally or not. This is simply the reality of living in a fallen world, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Satan’s Scheme Against Forgiveness
The Apostle Paul urges us in 2 Corinthians 2:10 to forgive, and in verse 11 he reveals why — “in order that satan might not outwit us, for we are not unaware of his schemes.” This is not a casual warning. Satan is described as an adversary, an anti-God spirit (Zechariah 3:1), and as the children of God, he is our enemy.
To defeat an enemy, you must know their tactics. Scripture gives us a clear picture of who satan is and how he operates. Revelation 12:9-10 describes him as a deceiver, a tempter, and an accuser. We see these traits on full display throughout Scripture — he deceived Eve in the garden, tempted Jesus in the wilderness, accused Job before God, and filled the heart of Ananias with lies. Eve fell for his deception; Jesus did not. We are also soberly warned that the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
One of satan’s most effective schemes is keeping us bound in unforgiveness. When we refuse to forgive, we hand him a foothold in our lives — and he knows it.
The Command to Forgive
Jesus made the stakes of forgiveness unmistakably clear. “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15). This is not a suggestion — it is a condition.
Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother who sinned against him. He generously proposed seven times. Jesus answered, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21-22). In other words, forgiveness is not a quota to be met. It is a posture of the heart.
Love Is the Source of Forgiveness
If we find ourselves unable to forgive, it is ultimately a love problem. Scripture tells us that God is love (1 John 4:16). As believers, the love of God has been “shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost” (Romans 5:5). It was love that moved our Father to forgive us. And it is that same love living within us that empowers us to forgive those who have wronged us.
Forgiveness is not manufactured by sheer willpower — it flows from a heart yielded to God and filled with His love.
The Cost of Unforgiveness
When we’ve been deeply hurt, resentment can take root quickly. Left unaddressed, it quietly poisons every area of life. Those who struggle to forgive may find themselves:
- Carrying bitterness and anger into new relationships and experiences
- Be so consumed by past wounds that they cannot enjoy the present
- Struggling with depression, irritability, or anxiety
- Feeling disconnected from their faith and spiritual walk
- Losing meaningful and life-giving relationships
Forgiveness is not about excusing what was done to you. It is about making an intentional decision to release resentment so that you can heal and move forward in peace. Letting go of bitterness makes room for the well-being and freedom God intends for your life.
What God’s Word Says About Forgiveness
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” — Mark 11:25
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” — Luke 6:37
“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
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful and liberating acts a believer can walk in. It reflects the very heart of God toward us — and when we choose to forgive, we don’t just free others. We free ourselves.
For more inspirational content, follow Kayla on her Power & Praise Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Kayla4God/ For more information about Kayla and to read more of her blogs, visit her website: https://kaylakennada.com/