Must I Forgive?

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, June 28, 2022
And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:25 (NKJV)

When those who hurt us apologize, the process of forgiving them becomes easier. A sincere apology softens and pacifies the heart of the victim. When repentance and mercy meet, forgiveness flows and relationships heal.

Forgiving an unremorseful person, though, is much more challenging. Some people will hurt us deliberately and ensure they rub the pain in. If we confront them, they may hurt us more. They will never approach us to ask for forgiveness.

Conditional or Unconditional?

For many of us, forgiveness is optional. It depends on the attitude of the wrongdoer. If He asks for forgiveness, we will consider whether to forgive. If he hardens his heart, he can forget about pardon.

The teachings of Jesus on forgiveness, though, are conservative and radical. He commands, “…whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25).

The Master agrees that forgiveness is conditional but from a different perspective. God forgives us on condition that we forgive those who hurt us. However, we should not place any conditions on our offenders before we forgive them.

Neither Will Your Father Forgive You

The command to forgive is not debatable. Jesus insists, “… if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:26). If you want to live in the presence of God now and in eternity, you must be forgiven. Therefore, you must forgive those who hurt you, unconditionally. Who is Jesus commanding you to forgive today?

Prayer
Loving Father, give me the grace to forgive those who hurt me, including those who do not ask for forgiveness.