Matthew 6:14-15

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive you."

     I read this verse today. It's funny how certain things in my life will bring up stuff in the bible that I'm not expecting to make much of a difference and then it hits me in the face. Anyway, I was listening to this song that is a soon to be choir special. It prompted a closer look at prayer. Right before this verse is maybe the most famous prayer of all time. Why does Jesus teach his disciples how to pray and then with the same breath tells them to forgive those that have wronged them, then continuing to say if you don't forgive then God won't forgive you.
Whoa! How important is it to forgive people. I want God to forgive me so I better not hold grudges.

      At so many times in my life I have gotten caught up on something someone did to me, how they wronged me. Holding on to bitterness I think only of myself and how hurt they have made me feel. Maybe they truly were wrong and maybe they truly did hurt me (most of the time however it is just a massive over reaction on my part, which by the way is a different problem all together). But, God still calls those who follow Him to forgive those that have truly wronged them. I must forgive, even when I don't want to. How hard that is! When I find myself wanting to hold on to bitterness and anger or quietly internalize my misery I put my situation into perspective. I remember Jesus, who was spat on, mocked, beaten, and crucified by people and while it all was happening He prays on their behalf --God forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing (Luke 23:34). Jesus practiced what he preached when it came to forgiveness.

     Have you ever feel like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. I know I have. Some times God doesn't provide answers for our prayers if we are deliberately holding grudges and not practicing forgiveness. Now this isn't the end all be all of things that can hinder our prayers and no it doesn't necessarily mean that if our prayers aren't answered that we aren't forgiving the right people. Here is the simple truth, forgiveness and prayer are connected to one another. Be genuine in forgiving because we have been forgiven. If you have a problem with forgiving someone, which can be incredibly hard, spend more and more time contemplating the forgiveness of Jesus. He is the greatest example of a life of forgiveness, mercy, and grace.