And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.
Dear Ones: Forgive him! When we forgive those who have injured us in some way, great power is released. Unforgiveness is a stronghold that the dark one uses against us. The fact that someone has transgressed against us really happened. But how we react to their actions or words against us is the issue the Lord is addressing in this verse.
If we choose not to forgive and cling to the offense, then we are the ones who actually suffer. Unforgiveness will hinder our prayers, our healing, and our peace. It turns the heavens to brass and keeps us in shackles while the offender walks away unhampered.
Sometimes they do not even know they have offended you. Unforgiveness comes in as demonic thought bombs that explode in your memory at random times. It is meant to keep you reliving the pain and trauma of the offense. But when you forgive, which is an act of faith, then the dark one loses his ability to torment you. The Lord walked in unforgiveness beyond merely talking about it as confirmed in Luke 23:34, AMP. “And Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’” He uttered these words while hanging on the Cross. Is it not fitting that we should follow His example.
When the tormentor tries to bring up a situation where you were offended, then respond by saying, “I forgive him or her.” This declaration releases the power to mute the voice of the enemy. The power of forgiveness opens the heavens over you, so your prayers are not hindered. It is a good habit to release forgiveness over the day’s activity to prevent a root of bitterness from forming. I bless you in Jesus’ name.