I have been puzzled why these verses on forgiveness, vv. 25-26, are inserted in this passage of prayer and faith. It seems to be out of place. However, there must be a good reason why our Lord Jesus taught His disciples about faith and connected it with forgiveness.
Let us start by remembering that in our lesson on Have faith in God, it teaches us that our prayer depends on faith, and faith in God depends on our relationship to God. Faith is about our relationship with God, and prayer depends on our relationship with God being clear, no obstruction or no hindrance: nothing blocking our relationship with God. Example: Have you experienced being in sin? How was your relationship with God then? One of the fruits of sin is guilt, shame, and awful feelings that hinder you from freely facing God. Try to recall an incident where you sinned and felt ashamed, guilty, and could not face God. How was your faith then? If you will be honest with me, you will admit that it felt terrible, and that you could not exercise faith as you should because your relationship with God has been affected. Right?
It is the same thing with our relationship with fellowmen. Our relationship with our fellowmen must also be clear. Love to God and love to our neighbor are inseparable. The prayer from a heart that is not right with God on one side, or with men on the other, cannot prevail. Faith and love are essential to each other.
March 22, 2015 | Joe Porter | Faith and Forgiveness | Mark 11:22-26
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