Scripture –
Mark 11:25 – “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Observation –
Jesus is teaching the disciples about the importance of a right standing relationship with God when we pray. When we pray, we are not to hold anything against anyone. We are to forgive everything against all when we pray to our Father so He will forgive us for our trespasses. There is no question as to whether we have trespasses and in order for God to forgive our sins we must forgive others. Jesus tells us that our Father who is also in heaven reveals to us that Jesus is in heaven.
Application –
I have been forgiven of everything by the blood of the Lamb therefore I need to forgive others. I have been forgiven of a debt I could never begin to pay. Why then would I hold on to something much less that someone has done to me? When what was done to me is my focus, pride may have a role in reluctance to forgive. Bottom line, hurt people hurt people.
There is hurt which is real and I don’t have to like what was done, nor does the relationship have to be the same but I have to forgive. After teaching the disciples how to pray in the Lord’s prayer, Matthew 6:14-15 says , For If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. When I can get over myself and forgive someone who was “wronged” me there is release from bondage and healing.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for loving me so much that you sent Jesus to pay for my sin debt in full so I can repent be reconciled and have a relationship with you. Let the power of the Spirit give me strength to forgive others and point people to you to extend your glory.