Forgiveness of Others
“Unforgiveness is the biggest barrier to deliverance.” – Derek Prince
Forgiveness is an essential requirement in the Christian life. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:14–15 that our willingness to forgive others is tied to our ability to receive forgiveness from God. When we refuse to let go of our blame to those who have wronged us, we place ourselves in spiritual bondage, and can open the door to demonic oppression and torment (Matthew 18:34-35).
In preparation for deliverance, forgiveness is crucial in removing the legal rights demons may have to remain. Many people are unaware that the unresolved bitterness or resentment of unforgiveness leaves an opening for demonic influence to persist. Forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened was right—it gives over the right to judge or retaliate to God.
1. Understanding Forgiveness in Deliverance Ministry
- Forgiveness is an act of the will. It is not dependent on feelings but on obedience to God’s Word. You may not feel like forgiving, but you choose to do so in surrender to Christ. So often forgiveness is a key to deliverance and to spiritual, emotional and even physical healing.
- Forgiveness is not about forgetting or denying pain—it is about inviting Jesus into the painful moments and memories and allowing Him to bring restoration. In forgiveness, we are not excusing others’ sin; we are surrendering our right to judge to God and trusting His justice. Often inner healing is required alongside forgiveness and deliverance and may take time.
- Forgiveness needs to be comprehensive – Often the Holy Spirit will bring to mind a list of people to forgive—family, friends, teachers, abusers, spiritual leaders, even ourselves. In deliberately speaking out forgiveness towards each person and offense, spiritual chains are broken. Speaking a blessing over each one we forgive, releases our own hearts and the hold of the enemy.
2. Steps to Walk Through Forgiveness
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unresolved offense, even those you’ve buried or minimized.
- Write down the names of people you need to forgive, along with specific offenses.
- Speak each name aloud, and intentionally choose to forgive, not because the person deserves it, but because Christ commands it and has forgiven you.
- Release the offense to God—declaring that you no longer hold it against the person.
- Bless the person by name, asking God to work redemptively in their life.
6. Invite Jesus into the memory or wound, asking Him to bring healing and peace to the pain caused.
Forgiveness Prayer Example
“Lord Jesus, I thank You for the mercy and forgiveness You’ve given me. Today I choose to forgive [Name] for [Offense]. I release them from all judgment and surrender this offense to You. I ask You to bless them and bring healing to both of us. Heal my heart where it was wounded, and close every door that unforgiveness may have left open to the enemy. I also choose to forgive myself for [specific things], and I receive Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Forgiveness can so often be the beginning of true inner healing and deliverance. Without it, progress is limited; with it, freedom becomes possible.