Deuteronomy 7-9, Mark 11:19-33 • Key Verse: Mark 11:25
It's easy to dismiss the person with whom you disagree or have had a disagreement. A simple,
“Forget him!” and you can get on with your life.
Not really. In fact, not at all! Be careful not to get infected with an attitude condoned by this
world but condemned by the Word.
Consider what that attitude can do to your praying. Failing to forgive another is one of the things
that the Bible says will hinder your prayers. The reason for this is that forgiving others is
evidence that we are right with God.
God commands us to forgive. Failure to obey is sin, and sin hinders our prayers. God’s will is
not followed when we hold a grudge or dismiss another with a “Forget him!” The unforgiving
person is then placed in the position of being an unforgiven person. He does not lose his
salvation but his fellowship with God is affected.
Commenting on the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer, one person noted that the words “Our
Father” are significant. They remind us that we may pray in private but never alone. We are part
of a family, and together we come before God.
Want your prayers to be effective? Check both your relationship with God and with others.
Yesterday you made a list of blessings. Today list those people whom you should forgive, then
cross off each name as you forgive them.
Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in