12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ~ Colossians 3:12-13
We are each required to forgive one another without being asked. It says if you have a complaint against another person. In other words, they don’t even need to ask. You just need to forgive. Jesus Himself said that we need to forgive as His Heavenly Father has forgiven us. This isn’t a new revelation from Brother Paul. No, Paul was only echoing what Jesus had already taught.
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.
Mark 11:25
From the way it’s translated, it seems to me that God is patiently waiting for us to forgive others so that He can now forgive us. Jesus said forgive so that our Father in heaven may forgive you.
What is hindering our forgiveness? Our lack of forgiveness to others.
Now watch this. Jesus is inferring that unforgiveness is not only a precursor to your own forgiveness, but it seems to be a hindrance to answered prayers.
See what Jesus said?
WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING …
That word stand is a strong word meaning: Continue to be.
In other words, when you continue to be in prayer, not just some 3-minute prayer, but a continuous petition, and nothing is happening, check your forgiveness gauge. The Holy Spirit will bring it to your mind. Why? Because God is not going to answer your prayers if you are harboring unforgiveness in your heart. To whom much is given, much is required.
Dear LORD, please help to forgive those who have wronged me. Help me to let go of the pain and hurt that have gripped my heart. I know that I have been forgiven much, so help me to also forgive much. Help me to never hold someone accountable to their debt when You haven’t held me accountable to mine. As You have canceled my debt on the cross, help me to also cancel their debt on my cross, for I died with You in baptism, and I will rise with You on that Last Day. Thank You, LORD, for Your forgiveness, LORD God. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
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