Releasing Hurt Feelings to God
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of laying aside hurt feelings and forgiving others in order to have effective prayer and a right relationship with God.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of releasing hurt feelings to God, warning that harboring grudges can hinder our prayers. He stresses that God will not respond to those with an unforgiving spirit and encourages believers to lay aside malice and resentment. Wilkerson reminds us that even those who have wronged us deserve forgiveness, as Jesus taught us to pray for forgiveness in the same manner we forgive others. He urges Christians to prioritize love and mercy over feelings of revenge, aligning with God's desire for unity among His people. Ultimately, he calls for a humble walk with God, as time is short and the day of the Lord approaches.
Text
"Laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:1-2).
Do not blame God for not listening to your prayers if you have a grudge against another person lodged in your heart. Christ has laid out clear guidelines for us -- he will not deal with anyone who has a wrathful and unforgiving spirit. We are to "lay aside" such attitudes. God's law of prayer is clear on this matter: "I desire therefore that [you] pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting" (1 Timothy 2:8).
Do you have hard feelings smoldering in your heart? Do not look upon it as something you have a right to indulge. God takes such things very seriously and all the discord and friction among Christian brothers and sisters must grieve his heart more than all the sins of the ungodly.
If you think your prayers might be hindered, be sure you are not smoldering over your hurt feelings or mistreatment from others. Satan cleverly goads Christians into being more sensitive to their emotions than they are to the voice of the Spirit. This can lead to a spirit of revenge when there should be a spirit of forgiveness and love. Yes, even those who have hurt you the most deserve forgiveness in the name of Jesus.
Don't go about giving in to feelings of hurt and retaliation, then run into the secret place of prayer at night and expect a miracle of deliverance. Jesus said to pray, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12).
Time is short and the day of the Lord is at hand. Set your heart on following the words of the prophet Micah: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).
Sermon Outline
- I. Laying Aside Malice and Deceit
- A. Desire the pure milk of the word
- B. Grow in spiritual maturity
- II. The Law of Prayer
- A. God will not deal with those who have a wrathful spirit
- B. Pray with holy hands, without wrath and doubting
- III. Hard Feelings and Prayer
- A. God takes hurt feelings seriously
- B. Discord and friction among believers grieves God's heart
- IV. Forgiveness and Love
- A. Forgive those who have hurt you in the name of Jesus
- B. A spirit of forgiveness and love is essential
- V. The Importance of Humility
- A. Follow the words of Micah: do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God
Key Quotes
“Do not blame God for not listening to your prayers if you have a grudge against another person lodged in your heart.” — David Wilkerson
“God takes such things very seriously and all the discord and friction among Christian brothers and sisters must grieve his heart more than all the sins of the ungodly.” — David Wilkerson
“Yes, even those who have hurt you the most deserve forgiveness in the name of Jesus.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Lay aside hurt feelings and forgive those who have wronged you in the name of Jesus.
- Pray with holy hands, without wrath and doubting, to have effective prayer.
- Follow the words of Micah: do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.