Mark 11:25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in Heaven may also forgive you your trespasses”

Two of the greatest hindrances and obstacles to answered prayer and freedom in the Holy Spirit are unforgiveness and he bitterness that attaches itself to it. Jesus gave specific clarity as Mark points out…if there is anything…anything… in your heart against someone who hurt or offended you, you must forgive them! You must release the debt and let it go… giving it all into Christ’s hands. It does not excuse the things that people do, but you must not let the emotional impact of what happened keep you in the spiritual prison that bitterness and unforgiveness build in your heart. Forgiveness puts the whole situation in God’s hands for Him to deal with it. Forgiveness opens the door to that emotional prison and causes a sense of freedom to rise up you. If not, we stay in the bondage of bitterness and in the underground of unforgiveness as the years go by. And more consequential… if we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven by our Father!

We have all done things to each other that require forgiveness. You are not the exception… we all all imperfect and at times need to be forgiven of each other. So forgive not just for forgiveness sake, but because the Holy Spirit will empower you to do so as God continues to transform you as He builds His character and nature in you.

So who do you need to forgive today? Be willing to obey God. Ask for His strength and help. If today you can realize all that God has forgiven you… how cold you possible not forgive others? Let the freedom and joy of forgiveness fill your heart today!