Forgive

Mark 11:25. 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.”

There is an interesting dynamic in today’s verse. Jesus says that when we start praying to FIRST forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against. First, as in numero uno. As in, get this done before you do anything else.

Then he says we need to forgive so that our father in heaven will forgive our sins. Like so many things in our life, the order of forgiveness matters.

In order for me to be forgiven, I must first forgive others. I can’t jump to asking for forgiveness and skip over forgiving others. The steps must be followed in order.

Has somebody hurt you? Made you mad? Given you stink eye? You must forgive them first, then ask God to forgive you. I know how much I am going to need forgiveness today, so I have to forgive others or I am toast!

Besides, it is better for you to forgive anyway. Being bitter in your heart is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Forgive, then get forgiven. Life is much sweeter that way.