Pray and Forgive

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25-26)

To be sure, there will be many offenses, slights, hurts, and attacks sent our way by the enemy of our souls. They are meant to plant a seed of bitterness and mistrust in our hearts which causes us to withhold love, and we can become cold toward others without even realizing it. But God trusts us with these trials to give us the opportunity to forgive and love others, just as He has done for us. When we pass the test of forgiving and loving those who hurt us, our hearts are perfected in His love, and He is well pleased.

 

If I am honest, I have no desire or intention to forgive those who hurt me, and even if I try, I simply do not find the strength to do so. My resentment and distrust are real and justified in my mind, and each time I am reminded of particular people or experiences, I find my thoughts awash in ill-will and anger. Jesus knows and understands. However, He has come to help me in those moments, encouraging me to forgive, just as I have been forgiven.

 

Since He has removed me from the power and penalty of sin, I must be willing to do the same for others and release them (and myself) from the prison of judgment and condemnation. Apart from Jesus, this is impossible; but with God, all things are possible — even forgiving those who hurt me.

 

May we all forgive and move forward. Our freedom awaits. 

 

Let's Pray - Lord, help me forgive others, just as You have forgiven me. I release everyone who has ever offended me from the prison of my bitterness. Thank You for my new-found freedom. Amen.