“Forgiveness”
One method used to catch monkeys is
to place fruit in a container that has an opening large enough for the monkey
to get its hand in, but too small for it to withdraw its clenched fist. A hunter will bait the trap in full view of
the monkey. When a monkey comes along and attempts to
grab an easy meal, it will become trapped because it refuses to release the
fruit in order to escape. The hunter can
simply walk up and capture the monkey without a struggle.
Unforgiveness works the same way. When we hold on to offenses and refuse to forgive,
we become trapped by the offense. The
devil does not have to work hard to take us captive; we are held captive by our
refusal to forgive. Our failure to
forgive will ultimately hinder our prayers from being answered.
Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive other people for
their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not
forgive other people,
then your Father will not forgive your offenses.
