Revival Through Forgiveness: The Missing Ingredient to True Move of God

Recently, while scrolling through TikTok, I came across a powerful message that stopped me in my tracks. The creator discussed how, in this generation, believers are increasingly focused on power, revival, and the move of God. These are good things, but she made an important point—we often forget the very foundational things that truly matter.

She said, “We don’t have to chase a move of God because as believers, we are the move of God.” This struck me deeply. As believers, we are carriers of God’s presence, and we don’t need to chase after the power of God; we must simply walk in obedience, love, and forgiveness. However, there’s a significant issue at play: something is missing. This missing piece is the love and forgiveness we so desperately need. Without these, our quest for revival and spiritual power will remain incomplete.

The Missing Ingredient: Forgiveness and Love in the Body of Christ

Forgiveness and love—these two simple yet powerful concepts have seemingly become overshadowed in today’s church culture. Instead of embodying the very love we proclaim, we see division, rivalry, and strife among believers. Workers in the church often fight amongst themselves. Pastors are not in good terms. Preachers, worship leaders, and church members clash in the very places where unity and love should be most evident. This disunity and resentment not only grieve the Holy Spirit but also make a mockery of the message of Christ.

In my personal journey, I have seen the power of love and forgiveness. I once wrote a blog, inspired by the Holy Spirit, called The Dangers of Regarding Others After the Flesh. It wasn’t just another blog—it was a life-changing revelation. Through it, I began to see the true potential around me, even in people I had previously held grudges against. We must stop looking at each other through human eyes and start seeing each other as God does.

This mindset shift requires us to forgive, to stop carrying past hurts. But how do we do that? It starts with genuine forgiveness—and it starts now. If we desire to experience the move of God, love and forgiveness must return to the front burner.

Forgiveness Parties: A Radical Call to Heal Together

Instead of holding traditional revivals, what if we held forgiveness parties? Picture this: believers coming together, not to receive power or chase revival, but to forgive one another. To lay down their resentments, their bitterness, and their unresolved conflicts. Can we set aside our pride and truly forgive?

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for spiritual growth and for revival to occur. As you read this, do you remember someone you’re still holding onto hurt from? Is there someone who has wounded you that you’ve never truly forgiven? Can you let go of that pain? Let us make the decision today to forgive—because true revival begins with the healing of our hearts.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17:

“So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

We cannot allow old wounds to define our relationships or hinder our unity. Forgiveness sets us free to walk in the fullness of God’s plan for our lives.

Learning from the Apostles: The Power of Love

In the book of Acts, we see the early church experiencing a mighty move of God. The apostles performed miracles, signs, and wonders. People were healed by Peter’s shadow, and the church exploded in growth. But what was the secret to their power? It was not simply the laying on of hands or specific rituals—it was love.

The apostles carried the love of Christ in such a powerful way that it was tangible, even healing the sick through the presence of their shadow. Love was the catalyst for their miraculous works. Without love, there is no power.

When I ask myself what has changed between then and now, I realize that the answer is simple: love. The apostles’ love for Christ and for one another was what drew down the power of God. Without this love, even the most anointed prayers are powerless.

So, before we rush to quote Acts 10:38, where it speaks of Jesus going about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, let us pause and ask ourselves: Do we have the spirit of love? We must not overlook this. We cannot simply ask for power, signs, and wonders without first seeking the love of God afresh.

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Love Is the Key to Revival

It is time for the church to recognize that love and forgiveness are the true keys to revival. We can no longer afford to be divided or to hold grudges. If we want to see the Holy Spirit move in our midst as He did in the days of the apostles, we must return to the simple command that Jesus gave us:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

We may not all be Moses or Joshua, but we can all be Caleb’s—faithful, obedient, and full of God’s love. We don’t have to all stand in the same spotlight, but we can each play our part in unity, working together to build a church that reflects Christ. We have God, and that is more than enough.

Ministry is hard work, and we must stop sidetracking ourselves with things that the Holy Spirit has not called us to. Let us focus on what matters: loving one another and forgiving one another. This is the foundation of a church that will experience the true move of God.

Can we begin today to forgive each other, to lay down our offenses and step into the unity that Christ prayed for? The power of God will flow naturally when love is at the center. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to ignite us once again—not through the pursuit of signs, but through the pursuit of love.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best…” (Philippians 1:9-10)

True revival is not found in emotional services or extraordinary manifestations—it begins with the everyday choice to forgive and love one another. When we do this, the power of God will flow through us without our having to ask. Love itself will yield the power we’ve been longing for.