READ: Luke 23:33-56
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25-26
One of the important things to do whilst praying is to forgive. If you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven for your many sins. And if you are not forgiven, your obvious sins will cut you off from God (Isaiah 59:2).
Living on earth and interacting with people will always lead to offences! There are offences with family! There are offences with church members! There are offences with spouses! There are offences with pastors! The most deadly sin therefore, is to not forgive those who offend you. When you stand praying is the moment for forgiveness.
On the cross, Jesus prayed to forgive the multitude that had gathered. He forgave the soldiers for their whips! He forgave the crowd for their shallowness and their shouts! He forgave the Jews for their wickedness! He forgave the Pharisees for their hypocrisy! He forgave Peter for deserting Him! He forgave the one who nailed Him to the wood!
He forgave Pontius Pilate for his politics and his two-facedness. He forgave Herod for his pretence. He forgave Judas for “selling” Him. He forgave those who “bought” Him. He forgave Joseph of Arimathea for not speaking up till after He was dead. He forgave those who laughed at Him. He forgave the one who offered Him vinegar instead of water. He forgave the soldiers for their strong beatings. He forgave the thief on the cross who mocked Him.
In 1 Peter 3:7, spouses are admonished to forgive each other lest their prayers are hindered. Spouses can have serious arguments, offences and hurts, which make their marriage an obstacle to their spirituality and their relationship with God. Spouses, watch out!