God wants to answer your prayers, but if any sin is in your heart, it will block them. I will address a most terrible sin today that will not only block your prayers but break your fellowship and place you in spiritual danger—even eternal judgment. It is the most serious one that many of us harbor in our hearts and take very little thought of the consequences of embracing it.
It is the deadly sin of unforgiveness. It opens the door to a multitude of demonic spirits. Forgiveness is not optional—it is essential to our salvation. Failing to forgive could mean losing heaven.
Summary Outline
1. God answers prayer (Mark 11:24; 1 John 5:14)
2. Sin blocks prayers from being heard (Psalm 66:18; Isa. 59:2)
3. God forgives sin when we confess (1 John 1:9)
4. God will not forgive those who refuse to forgive others (Mark 11:25–26; Matt. 6:14–15)
5. Unforgiven sin leads to death (Romans 6:23)
6. Unforgiveness leads to judgment—both now and at the seat of Christ (Matt. 18:35)
7. Forgiveness is a choice that determines destiny (Deut. 30:19; Col. 3:13)
Multiple choice questions
1. According to Mark 11:24, what must we do to receive what we ask for in prayer?
A. Wait patiently
B. Forgive first
C. Believe we receive it
D. Confess our sins
2. What does Psalm 66:18 teach about prayer and sin?
A. God delays answering sinful prayers
B. God ignores the prayers of righteous people
C. God will not hear if we regard sin in our hearts
D. God hears everyone equally
3. Which sin specifically blocks God from forgiving us, according to Mark 11:25–26?
A. Pride
B. Envy
C. Unforgiveness
D. Greed
4. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is:
A. Suffering
B. Silence from God
C. Death
D. Judgment
5. If we do not forgive others, what will happen according to Matthew 6:15?
A. God will delay our blessings
B. God will not forgive our sins
C. God will correct us gently
D. God will withdraw His Spirit
6. What is the spiritual danger of harboring unforgiveness long-term?
A. It creates personal stress
B. It causes you to stop attending church
C. It invites demonic strongholds and spiritual deception
D. It weakens your immune system
7. According to the teaching, unforgiveness is a:
A. Struggle, not a sin
B. Sin of ignorance
C. Sin of commission and omission
D. Temporary feeling
8. What happened to King Saul as a result of harboring offense and jealousy?
A. He repented and was restored
B. He lost his kingdom and died in disgrace
C. He went to war and won
D. He became a prophet
9. According to Deuteronomy 30:19, what does God set before us?
A. Law and mercy
B. Angels and demons
C. Life and death, blessing and cursing
D. Wealth and poverty
10. What is the only way to have our sins forgiven, based on the teaching?
A. Recite daily prayers
B. Serve others faithfully
C. Forgive others from the heart
D. Attend church regularly
Personal reflection questions for your consideration
1. Is there someone I have not truly forgiven—even in my thoughts or emotions?
2. Have I ever connected my unanswered prayers to unforgiveness in my heart?
3. Do I believe God will forgive me while I still withhold forgiveness from others?
4. Am I harboring bitterness or resentment that I’ve justified instead of repented of?
5. What spiritual doors have I opened by holding on to unforgiveness?
6. Have I normalized a hard heart toward someone God commands me to love?
7. Do I realize unforgiveness is not just sin—but a soul-killing, hell-leading sin?
8. Have I confused emotional pain with my right to stay angry?
9. Do I trust God’s justice enough to release those who hurt me into His hands?
10. Will I choose life and freedom today by forgiving completely and moving forward?
Now, reflect on each question prayerfully. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden unforgiveness that may hinder your prayers or relationship with God. Choose life by choosing to forgive. (Deuteronomy 30:19)