A close family member’s actions have hurt you. You continue to have negative thoughts about them and find it difficult to forgive them. You pray to God to forgive you for all your sins, but in your heart, you have not yet fully forgiven them. You still feel angry and upset and even find it hard to be in their company. However, when we approach our Heavenly Father in prayer with an unforgiving heart, He cannot work in our lives. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25-26). God can only answer our prayers when we, with all our hearts, forgive those who have offended us. But how is this possible? In Joel 2:13, we are told – “Tear your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” When we tear our hearts and empty ourselves before God, he will forgive, heal, and fill us with His grace, compassion, and love. For “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). It is only with God’s love in you that you can truly forgive and be forgiven. Open Bible – https://bit.ly/joe2v13, https://bit.ly/mar11v25-26, https://bit.ly/rom5-5
