"Lack of forgiveness can result in long-term anger. And that can have serious consequences. The apostle Paul called it a “work of the flesh” and warned us:
Note that “wrath” and “strife” are listed right along with sins like murder and adultery. These fruits of unforgiveness can have serious consequences in our lives and in the lives of people who are close to us.
Paul contrasts them with the “fruit of the Spirit,” which should characterize our lives as Christians. He said:
Maria Kneas
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance [contentions], emulations [jealousies], wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
Note that “wrath” and “strife” are listed right along with sins like murder and adultery. These fruits of unforgiveness can have serious consequences in our lives and in the lives of people who are close to us.
Paul contrasts them with the “fruit of the Spirit,” which should characterize our lives as Christians. He said:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25If we want to live biblically and “walk in the Spirit,” then God will give us the grace and the strength to do it. This is a process that takes time, patience, and perseverance."
Maria Kneas
