Healing happens when forgiveness has taken place. Forgiveness is a pre-requisite to healing. 2 Chronicle 7:14. If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
God’s Blueprint for Healing
God has given us His blueprint for healing. When facing issues in a relationship, it’s important to acknowledge our role. We should seek God’s will for restoration and reconciliation by humbly accepting our part. By praying, seeking God sincerely, and turning away from sin, God will hear us, forgive us, and heal our relationship. Remember, forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation; the key is to submit our will and allow the Lord to work in the situation.
Man was created from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7). The Hebrew phrase used here is aphar min haadamah, which means “soil” or “dust of the ground.” If God calls us to humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways so that He may heal our land, then that same principle can also be applied to our physical bodies—since we were formed from the very dust of the earth. This principle of repentance not only brings healing to our land but also to our bodies, souls, and spirits. Forgiveness is a vital prerequisite for healing. I’ll explore this more in the following paragraphs.
- God’s Blueprint for Healing
- What is Forgiveness?
- Spiritual Implications of Forgiveness.
- Who Forgives?
- Why must We Forgive?
- How Can We Forgive?
- How Can the Truth Set Us Free?
- Where Can We Forgive? The Prayer of Forgiveness.
- The Importance of Wisdom in Forgiveness
- Summary
What is Forgiveness?
Definition of Forgiveness.
Forgiveness is making provision available to overlook a fault of an offence somone is about to make, is presently committing or has already committed in the past. It is extending the arm of grace to other for hurting us. It is blotting out offense. Dr Swartz of John Hopkins Medical simply states it this way “Forgiveness is not just about saying the words. “It is an active process in which you make a conscious decision to let go of negative feelings whether the person deserves it or not” (John Hopkins Medical, 2025).
forgiveness guards our minds against the spirit of torment or torture.
BETHESDA ARK
Similar Words to Forgiveness.
Words similar to forgiveness include acquittal, remission, exoneration and pardon.
“Lord Jesus, I confess the sin of un-forgiveness towards <insert name(s) of person(s)>and I release <insert name(s) of person(s)> from my heart. Please help me know how to forgive <insert name(s) of person(s)> and move on with your plans for my life. I command every door I’ve opened to the enemy to be shut now by the blood of Jesus.
BETHESDA ARK
Spiritual Implications of Forgiveness.
According to Colossians 2:14, Jesus publicly shamed the devil by forgiving our sins. He not only forgave us, but also offered Himself as a living sacrifice—dying once and for all for the sins of humanity: past, present, and future. This redemptive plan was established from the beginning of time. Provision had already been made for the remission of sin so that mankind could once again enjoy close communion and fellowship with God, just as it was in the Garden of Eden (see blog post on transforming your marriage from pain to purpose).
When God spoke to the serpent in Genesis, He declared that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head, while the serpent would bruise the heel of her seed. This was a prophetic declaration. Yahweh was announcing that one day, Yeshua (Jesus) would come, die on the cross, and defeat the enemy. From that moment on, an ancient and ongoing battle began between righteousness and iniquity.
Throughout history, the enemy has relentlessly attacked God’s chosen people in an attempt to prevent the arrival, and now the impact of the promised Seed who would crush his head. Even today, we see the enemy targeting marriages, families, children, gender identity, and continuing his persecution against God’s people.
Forgiveness prevents us from falling ill. It frees our minds and soul from fear and anxiety. As such, our physiology functions properly allowing our immune system to function properly and more effectively. We are under less stress. Cortisol is lowered in our blood stream. Our body has more capacity to produce feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin.
BETHESDA ARK
Going back to Colossians 2:14, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy given by Yahweh in the garden of Eden when He came to die on the cross. By doing so, Jesus effectively cancelled the legal debts that stood against us and condemned us. It is important to note that though all sin is forgiven, the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not (Matthew 12:31).
Who Forgives?
1. The Lord:
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
- Jeremiah 31:34
- 1 John 1:9
- Matthew 9:2, 6-8
- Luke 7:48
2. Man:
- Matthew 6:12
Why must We Forgive?
We must forgive for the following reason:
- That God will forgive our trespass- Matthew 6:12; Luke 6:37.
- That Satan does not outwit us- 2 Corinthians 2:11.
- It opens doors of healing over us- 2 Chronicles 7:14.
- It frees us from the burden of wanting to avenge ourselves.
- It has spiritual benefits to hear from God.
- It has health benefits for our:
- Mind: forgiveness guards our minds against the spirit of torment or torture.
- Heart: forgiveness guards our heart against physical pain like heart attack, heart arrhythmia, palpitations, heart disease.
- Soul: forgiveness frees our mind and heart and as such, we can enjoy sound, uninterrupted sleep.
- Body: forgiveness further prevents us from falling ill. It frees our minds, soul from fear and anxiety. As such, our physiology functions properly allowing our immune system to work properly and more effectively. We are under less stress. Cortisol is lowered in our blood stream. Our body has more capacity to produce feel-good hormones like dopamine, endorphin, serotonin and oxytocin. We also notice that since our body is more in a balanced and healthy state, we are less susceptible to illness, caused by pain, joint inflammation. We also see lower levels of anxiety, depression, stress and our blood pressure functions as normal.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, research shows that our health depends on the ability to forgive (John Hopkins Medicine, 2025). On the other hand, unforgiveness causes hormonal imbalance, which goes on to affect the endocrine gland. And ultimately influences the production of happy chemicals; cortisol, serotonin and oxytocin.
How Can We Forgive?
The Need for Understanding and Truth.
We are more inclined to forgive and show mercy toward an offender when we possess the knowledge of the truth. As Jesus said in John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” But before this promise, Jesus laid out a condition in John 8:31. Speaking to the Jews who believed in Him, He said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are truly my disciples.” This shows us that the revelation of truth is reserved for those who follow the teachings of Christ. Many remain blinded to the truth simply because they do not walk in His Word. But when we live as true disciples, holding fast to His teachings, the truth is unveiled to us plainly and powerfully, and no one can deceive us regarding our situation.
Revelation knowledge comes from the Word of God. It can also come through the gifts of the Spirit, such as the word of knowledge, the word of wisdom, and discernment. The Holy Spirit may reveal truth through dreams, visions, prophecies, or even through investigative insight like identifying generational patterns or uncovering hidden issues in our family heritage.
We can forgive when we have knowledge of the truth. By knowing the truth of why you are in a particular position and situation, you are better informed that what you’re going through is only for a season.
BETHESDA ARK
Jesus further declares in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This freedom is absolute and unquestionable, it needs no explanation or validation because it’s rooted in the finished work of Christ on the cross. When Jesus died, He canceled our legal indebtedness and nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:14). In exchange, He offered us the free gift of salvation.
Philippians 2:12- Paul writes,
“So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].”
Philippians 2:12 AMP
To experience true freedom and embrace our identity as God intended, we need to activate our salvation. This happens by proclaiming and declaring God’s truth and praying in Jesus’ name. It’s not enough to simply know we are free; we must live out that freedom through faith-filled declarations and spiritual alignment.
Joseph’s Pardon and Purpose.
If we do not have an ounce of the truth about why an individual has offended us, we are likely to take offence. For example, we know that all things work together for the good of those that love God and have been called according to His purpose. Joseph had every right to take revenge on his brothers for selling him into slavery in the land of Egypt. Rather than act in offense and with a thirst for revenge, he saw the greater purpose for his journey to Egypt. He said ‘God sent me ahead of you that Jacob might be saved”.
Looking back to when Joseph was being sold to the Ismaelite traders for 30 pieces of silver, Joseph had every right to be angry with his brothers. But in all, while Joseph was a slave in Egypt, God granted him favour in Portiphar’s house, the prison and Pharaoh’s palace. He made provision available for Joseph and granted him favour because above all, God used Jospeh’s predicament to make a future provision for the children of Israel.
God’s call and promises never fail. If Joseph had not gone to Egypt, God would have raised up a deliverer for Israel in another way. Since the opportunity happened to be that Joseph was already sold to slavery in Egypt, God turned around what the enemy meant for evil for His glory. He used the unthinkable to deliver his chosen people. Even more so, God’s name was glorified and He showed himself strong and mighty in being able to keep His covenant to Abraham. We have to also remember that Yahweh is omniscient. He knows the end from the beginning. Israel or the sons of Israel would never have been able to predict that there would be a famine in the land where they had sojourned, stretching between Canaan, Egypt and all the surrounding regions. In Yahweh’s infinite mercy, He made provisions available ahead of time even before Israel had a need for it. He used the very person that was wronged to bring about salvation to his chosen ones. As such, Joseph got a double portion of inheritance for the promised land through his sons, Ephraim and Mannaseh.
The Mercy of Messiah.
Joseph’s story was a fore-shadow of what Jesus would do on the cross. He was rejected by his own, beaten, spat at, abused and despised. Yet, God glorified Him above everything on earth and gave him a name above every name that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow on earth, in heaven and under the earth.
On the cross, in the hour of crying out to God, the first thing Jesus prayed for was the forgiveness of the people that allowed him to be killed. He pleaded with Abba ‘Forgive them for they know not what they’re doing’. Today as believers, we enjoy salvation and direct access to the throne room of heaven because God, through the blood of Jesus, has forgiven our sins once and for all.
When we come to know the truth about a circumstance, we also gain insight into how we ended up there.
BETHESDA ARK
The Truth about Forgiveness.
We are able to forgive when we have knowledge of the truth. By knowing the truth of why you are in a particular position and situation, you are better informed that what you’re going through is only for a season.
God is with you in the situation, pit, prison, and storm. He has not left you. Ask the Lord to help you through this season, there is a change in the horizon. Go through this season patiently knowing that there is a greater reward for your obedience to His voice. He would use your story to help others and glorify himself in your life. Remember, the Lord has promised “Double for your trouble“.
How Can the Truth Set Us Free?
John 8:32 – “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”.
Whatever is hidden in darkness comes to light. The darkness cannot comprehend the light and the light exposes every dark deed. Darkness only thrives where sin and shame is present. Where sin and shame are covered and where they are permitted. When Jesus was on the cross, He despised the shame and faced the suffering of dying on the cross because of the joy that laid ahead.
- The truth exposes what is hidden in secret and exposure brings a clear perspective.
- Exposure is possible by light, illumination of secret and hidden things.
“Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and understanding to make sound decisions in various situations and circumstances. It is also the ability to draw from experience when navigating situations”
BETHESDA ARK
The truth can set us free when we apply wisdom to a given situation. What do I mean by this? In proverbs 9:10, we read that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 4:7-8, “wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all your getting get understanding. Wisdom is the principal thing highlights the importance of wisdom and understanding , urging individuals to prioritize them above all else, even material possessions. It urges that rue wealth comes from acquiring wisdom, discernment, and living a life guided by understanding. True wealth does not just from accumulating riches or knowledge.
Wisdom is the ability to draw from experience, knowledge, and sound judgment when navigating situations. When we come to know the truth about a circumstance, we also gain insight into how we ended up there. This kind of revelation often comes through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, whether during Bible study, through discernment, dreams, visions, a still small voice, aligned events, prophetic words, or the confirmation of something already stirring in our hearts.
Where Can We Forgive? The Prayer of Forgiveness.
There is no physical or geographical location to forgive anyone. You can say the prayer of forgiveness right there where you are; in your living room, bedroom, kitchen, car or office space.
“Lord Jesus, I confess the sin of un-forgiveness towards <insert name(s) of person(s)>and I release <insert name(s) of person(s)> from my heart. Please help me know how to forgive <insert name(s) of person(s)> and move on with your plans for my life. I command every door I’ve opened to the enemy to be shut now by the blood of Jesus. I confess bitterness, hatred, anger, resentment, fault-finding, holding grudges, and revenge to you Lord. I replace these feelings with the joy and peace of the Holy Ghost. Search my heart Lord and know my inner most thoughts. Reveal any hidden un-confessed or unconscious sin I have towards <insert name(s) of person(s)>. Please Lord, also reveal anyone I am harboring un-forgiveness to in my heart that I am not aware of. Thank you Jesus”.
The Importance of Wisdom in Forgiveness
Drawing close to God and having a personal relationship with Him will sharpen our discernment. When we are able to discern right from wrong, we are able to know the truth. When we have the truth, we possess knowledge. Knowledge gives us insight and we are encouraged to also get deeper understanding of the truth that has just been revealed. Deeper study of and depth of knowledge is what makes understanding.
Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and understanding to make sound decisions in various situations and circumstances. Wisdom is upright to those who have found knowledge (proverbs 8:9). The bible says wisdom will enter your heart, knowledge will be pleasant to your soul, discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you (Proverbs 2:10-11). Wisdom will save you from wicked men (Proverbs 2:12), give you long life (prov3:17), and protect you (Proverbs 4:6). And we see ultimately that Jesus is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of Messiah is understanding.
Gaining deeper revelation and understanding of generational patterns and bloodline history equips us with greater wisdom. When we recognize how the enemy operates, we become more aware of his strategies and in response, we choose forgiveness. By deciding to forgive in advance, before any offense occurs, we disarm the enemy. In doing so, we avoid the trap of falling into his hands (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Summary
Ultimately, forgiveness protects us from falling into the accusatory traps of Satan. It frees us, softens our hearts, and sharpens our ability to hear from God, keeping the lines of communication with heaven open. Forgiveness also unlocks healing and restoration, which positively impacts our overall well-being. Most importantly, it positions us for our next level of breakthrough, promotion, and greater authority in our walk with God.
