“Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoings [against Him and others].” – Mark 11:25 (AMP)
In Matthew 18 from verse 15, Jesus continued to have a conversation on the subject of forgiveness with His disciples, showing how important and necessary it is for them to forgive the sins of their brothers. Peter, wanting to know how many times a brother can offend him and he would stop forgiving, asked a salient question, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus’ reply was one that was unexpected, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” This conversation between Peter and Jesus established the truth that we must forgive, without holding back, what anyone has done to wrong us as many times as it happens in a day.
Then, continuing further, Jesus spoke a parable to them about two servants of a king who both owed the king. The king, being generous, decided to forgive all they owed him but one of the servants also owed the other servant. The servant that was owed decided to punish the one who owed him but what he did angered the king and he was thrown into the prison because he did not have mercy on his fellow servant even though he had received mercy from the king. Jesus ended the parable with this notable statement: “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Many believers pray and even ask God for mercy but they do not show mercy to their fellow men. You must know that God sees your heart and knows the wickedness you harbour therein, this is why it is important to deal with matters of the heart before approaching God in the place of prayers. One with an unforgiving heart cannot receive God’s blessings. God wants you to forgive everyone who has offended you. Unforgiveness stands as an hindrance to your prayers. Before you contemplate forgiveness or before you refuse to forgive, remember, God forgives you always without holding back.
You must realize that keeping people locked in your heart through offenses and unforgiveness will not help you progress in your communion with God. What God does to help you is to specifically let you know that you have to forgive the sins of those who offend you. Let compassion flow through your heart and let it reflect in your relationship with men. Before you accuse God of not answering your prayers, you might want to examine your heart and check if there are no offenses, bitterness, hatred or unforgiveness lurking around your heart. For with these in your heart, you won’t make progress in your fellowship with God and answers to prayers will be delayed.
Action Point: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify every offense you keep in your heart towards anyone and that He should help you to let go completely of every bitterness.
Confession: The Lord is with me always, I shall not be moved. My life is a testimony of the faithfulness of God. I stand strong no matter what the devil throws against me.
Related Scripture: Matthew 18
Bible Reading: Leviticus 8
