Today’s Reading: Matthew 18:15-20; Mark 11:22-25
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” – Mark 11:22-25
Last week, we considered how the disciples lacked the faith to heal the boy who was demon-possessed. In his gospel story, Mark repeats the same words of Jesus but he adds another element that often blocks our prayers. At times we lack the faith for our prayers to be answered and at times unforgiveness blocks the path between our requests and God’s answer.
As we start a new day, let us consider the relationship between forgiveness, freedom and mercy. What freedom do we experience when we choose forgiveness and mercy over bitterness and pride? What would life look like if we consistently LET FORGIVENESS FLOW and mercy show? What would it sound like to truly let freedom ring?
FORGIVENESS. FREEDOM. MERCY.
If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two or three witnesses. If the person refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.
“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.
“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” – Matthew 18:15-20
Again Jesus coupled the issue of forgiveness and restoration with the idea of our prayers being answered. UNFORGIVENESS BLOCKS OUR PRAYER LIFE. God’s plan is for us to be all about forgiving others and bringing restoration into relationships that are strained or in need of resolution. I am to walk into these situations in strong faith that God will be in the middle of it all, that He will be with us through our attempts at restoration. Our own forgiveness depends on our commitment to forgive others, not just in our hearts but through necessary conversations.
If our attempts at restoration with another believer are unsuccessful, Jesus instructs us to treat that person as a pagan or corrupt tax collector. And how did Jesus model our treatment of sinners? He ate with them in their homes and even called Matthew to be one of his disciples. Jesus said he didn’t come to call those who think they are righteous, but he came for those who know they are sinners (Luke 5:32).
FORGIVENESS. FREEDOM. MERCY.
When we forgive those who have sinned against us, we experience freedom. When we humbly recognize our own capacity to sin, we can then have mercy on those who have sinned against us. We give the situation to the Lord and pray for Him to extend mercy both to us and to those who have hurt us.
“Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:9-15