Forgiven—and Forgiving

“When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Mark 11:25

Our loving God is concerned with our spiritual health and our overall well-being. He’d never want us to hold on to something that was hurting us. That’s why God commands us to both receive His forgiveness and forgive others.

Forgiveness goes in two directions: we are forgiven for our sins, and we forgive those who have sinned against us, who have hurt, offended, or abused us.

Asking God to forgive your sins frees you to enjoy your relationship with Him. You are better able to hear His guiding voice, and you can be confident that nothing is blocking your prayers (Matthew 6:12; 1 Peter 3:12). Yet sin comes all too easily to us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. Asking God’s forgiveness is essential to our relationship with Him.

The other side of the coin, forgiving others, can be difficult. Maybe the hurt still stings, or you are still dealing with the consequences of those actions. Forgiveness doesn’t mean reestablishing the relationship: that’s not always safe. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting: pain offers lessons you need to remember. But forgiving others is a gift of freedom you give yourself.

Lord, You know my struggles. But, like all Your commands, Your instruction to forgive is for my good. Thank You for the strength to forgive for my good and Your glory.