The Bible also says that what we sow, we will also reap (Galatians 6:7). Thus, when we sow unforgiveness toward someone, we are also sowing seeds of judgment, criticism, and rejection — and that is exactly the kind of harvest we will reap back into our lives! On the other hand, when we freely forgive, we will reap a harvest of forgiveness, grace, love, and acceptance for ourselves and others. In other words, the mercy we give is the mercy we will receive.

All that time I had allowed that root of bitterness to fester in my soul, I had also felt rejected. Rejection was screaming at me, but I had given an entrance to it through unforgiveness. At that time, I didn’t know what an open door unforgiveness is for the enemy to come in and harm our bodies, our minds, and our relationships. I hadn’t yet identified who the tormentors, or torturers, were that come when we refuse to forgive and release others from their debt of sin against us

For many long years, I was held captive in a prison of shame without even realizing it. I want to share with you how God delivered me from the invisible prison that I suffered in for so much of my life. I am sharing my story with you for two reasons: because I want to give glory to God, and because I believe it will help you realize that, through Jesus’ powerful work on the Cross, you can also be delivered from shame.

This mother was not planning on the worst outcome. She was planning on the ultimate best outcome. And she immediately went into action — not to plan a funeral, but to prepare for the resurrection of her dead son!