Forgive First!

April 13, 2026, Monday Message:

Mark 11:24-25 NLT, Jesus speaking: “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 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.”

That’s verses 24 & 25. Your Bible may not have verse 26. It’s only in some of the original manuscripts, but not all. It reads as follows: “But if you refuse to forgive, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.” That fits with the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Forgiveness is key to normal Christianity. Forgiveness is what makes everything else work, which makes it #1 on my list. Forgive everyone who has offended you, and hold no grudges. That person who dissed you last year isn’t even in the picture today, so let it go. Don’t dwell on it any longer. Take ‘getting even’ off your agenda, and move on. With a clean slate, you can now approach the Lord!

#2 Be 100% committed and devoted to God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Romantically, we say, “I love you with all my heart.” Paul counsels us to open the eyes of our hearts, our innermost self, not the eyes that see the world, but eyes perpetually focused on God. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” (Eph. 1:18)

#3 Jesus told believers to use his name. It commands respect and authority in the spiritual realm. Demons are afraid of Jesus. When preaching, evangelizing or healing, Jesus said we should use his name. When I die and show up at the pearly gates, I’m going to use Jesus’ name. He said he was going ahead to prepare a place for me!

How about you?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church