One ministry leader concluded that 90 percent of all health, marital, family and financial problems came from unforgiveness. In David’s family, unforgiveness destroyed relationships by causing isolation, distance, desperation and acting out. Like David, God brings people in your life to convict you of sin and provide wisdom so you can discern between good and evil in doing the right thing.
Joab brought a wise woman to David so he would be encouraged to forgive his son, Absalom, who killed his brother, Amnon. While mourning for the dead, she told a story about her family wanting to take revenge by killing a son who murdered his brother (2 Sam. 14:1-7). God brings people in your life to convict you of sin.
The woman said iniquity was in her house. David made an oath that she would be protected. She told David to “remember the Lord his God, so that the avenger of blood may not continue to destroy, lest they destroy my son” (2 Sam. 14:8-11). Satan uses the sin of unforgiveness to destroy family relationships.
She asked David why he wouldn’t bring back and forgive Absalom. The woman encouraged David that like the angel of God, he was able to discern good and evil. She admitted that Joab arranged for her to see David, described as wise like the angel of God who knew everything in the earth (2 Sam. 14:12-20). God provides wisdom for discerning between good and evil in doing the right thing.
David told Joab to bring back Absalom, but was forced to stay in own house without seeing his father (2 Sam. 14:21-24). Unforgiveness causes isolation and distance in relationships.
No one was more handsome than Absalom with no defect and long hair. He had three sons, including one beautiful daughter named Tamar. Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing David. Because Joab didn’t come after Absalom sent for him, his servants set Joab’s fields on fire. Joab finally came so Absalom could see David. Absalom prostated himself and David kissed him (2 Sam. 14:25-33). Unforgiveness causes the one sinned against to be desperate and act out.
Is there anyone that you must forgive for something they did against you or someone close to you?
Confess your unforgiving spirit as sin and forgive from your heart.
