Zac Poonen teaches that forgiving those who have harmed us brings healing and freedom, illustrating this truth through his personal testimony of physical and spiritual restoration.
This sermon emphasizes the connection between unforgiveness and physical sickness among believers, highlighting a personal testimony where the speaker experienced physical pain due to harboring unforgiveness towards a doctor. The message underscores the importance of forgiveness, even in difficult situations, and how choosing to forgive can bring healing and restoration to one's body.
Full Transcript
At least 10 or 20% of sicknesses among believers is because they haven't forgiven somebody. Is it possible that you have a sickness in your body which is not being healed because you haven't forgiven somebody? That's in God's word. That's a second finger.
I'll give you a testimony from my own life. Some months before I got married in 1968, I had to go to a hospital just to get a little something, some injury stitched. And they had to put me under anesthesia because it was quite a painful thing.
And some days later, I found a severe pain down my arm like a nerve pain. And it was getting worse and worse. I didn't know what was the cause.
The stitch had all healed. So I went to a neurosurgeon. And I said, what do you think is the cause of this? He said, there's nothing wrong with you.
So I can only think of one reason. That when you were under general anesthesia and they lifted you from the bed, they may not have been careful. And your neck may have fallen back in some awkward angle, pinched some nerve and injured it.
And that's the cause of this pain. There's no cure for it. You've got to live with it.
I was a believer, but I didn't have any victory over sin. So I got really angry with the doctor who treated me. Not only I got really angry, I wrote him a very angry letter.
He was a believer. And I wrote some hard words. I'm so ashamed of it that I don't even want to mention what I wrote.
And I was more worried because in a few weeks I was going to get married. And then the Lord said to me, forgive him. He didn't do it deliberately.
Even if he did it deliberately, you must forgive him. Supposing he deliberately took my neck and twisted it, you must still forgive him. How much more if it was accidental? Just a few days after I wrote that first letter, very quickly, within 3-4 days, I wrote another letter.
Dear brother, I feel ashamed that I wrote that letter to you. You were so kind to treat me. It's not at all your fault.
It's my fault for writing such a letter. Please forgive me. Please forgive me.
I love and respect you very much. I have nothing in my heart against you. In a few days, this pain disappeared.
And I've never had a problem for 43 years. Which injection cured me? The neurosurgeon said, no hope. It was one simple decision in my heart.
I am going to forgive him. It was a lesson I learnt for my whole life. When you don't forgive others, you hurt yourself.
When you forgive others, you bring healing into your own body.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Link Between Unforgiveness and Sickness
- Unforgiveness can cause physical and emotional sickness.
- Many believers suffer due to unforgiveness.
- God’s Word connects forgiveness with healing.
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II. Zac Poonen’s Personal Testimony
- Experienced nerve pain after surgery with no medical cure.
- Initially harbored anger and wrote a harsh letter.
- Received God’s prompting to forgive and wrote a letter of apology.
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III. The Power of Forgiveness
- Forgiveness led to immediate healing of pain.
- Forgiving others brings healing to oneself.
- A lifelong lesson on the importance of forgiveness.
Key Quotes
“At least 10 or 20% of sicknesses among believers is because they haven't forgiven somebody.” — Zac Poonen
“When you don't forgive others, you hurt yourself.” — Zac Poonen
“When you forgive others, you bring healing into your own body.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Examine your heart for any unforgiveness and choose to forgive those who have wronged you.
- Recognize that forgiveness can bring physical and emotional healing in your life.
- Respond to offenses quickly with forgiveness to maintain spiritual and bodily health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is forgiveness important according to Zac Poonen?
Forgiveness is crucial because it brings healing to the body and soul, preventing sickness caused by bitterness.
Can unforgiveness cause physical sickness?
Yes, Zac Poonen shares that some sicknesses among believers are linked to unforgiveness.
How did Zac Poonen experience the power of forgiveness?
He was healed from a severe nerve pain after forgiving the doctor who unintentionally caused his injury.
What should we do if someone harms us intentionally?
Even if harm is intentional, Zac emphasizes that we must still forgive as commanded by God.
Does forgiveness immediately heal all wounds?
While forgiveness brings healing, the timing and manner may vary, but it always initiates restoration.
