The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Mark 11:24-26, “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask,

believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.

25 “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against

anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your

transgressions.

26 “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your

transgressions.”

You will forgive me for not recalling the precise incident, but it was a legal transaction for which I was required to obtain a judge’s permission. Somewhere the word “pray” worked itself into the conversation, and being one who prays regularly, I instantly had spiritual thoughts working their way through my brain. Perhaps, I ought to have known better; still, it was my first encounter with that word outside of a spiritual connotation.

There are several words in New Testament Scripture that translate as prayer. The word Jesus used for prayer in the verses above (???????????, proseuchomai) is the most frequent and is always used of prayer to God. For true prayer to be effective, it must always be united with sincere faith.

But there’s more! For prayer to be effective, it must also be coupled with forgiveness. God only forgives those who forgive (??????, aphiemi) others. We must “send away” or relinquish, renounce, put aside, give up whatever we are holding against someone else. Yes, I said “there’s more.”

Recently, I received a report of some indiscretions in which a Christian leader had

become involved. The report purported to be instructive, yet it seemed more bent on castigating the person who was allegedly involved. I recalled the verses above and asked myself, “Where is forgiveness?” For one thing, the actions of the alleged perpetrator never touched the life or ministry of the writer.

We all do wrong. We all sin against the LORD. None of us is perfect. So, if we, who are sinners, are to be forgiven of our sins against the LORD, we must start by forgiving those who sin against us. Some sins have a “community” effect. They involve us remotely, despite not touching us personally. Still, there is no biblical substitution for “letting go” of evil feelings toward others who sin.

Years ago, I experienced forgiveness toward a friend who had wronged me, although somewhat distantly. It was not easy to forgive, but it was imperative if my own prayers were to be answered. Since that time, my own spirit has eased considerably, and my prayers are “easier,” as my conscience is cleared of its guilt.

If you are holding a grudge, turn it over to the LORD. He’s the only One who can and will forgive you. And if the brother whom you have forgiven will not forgive you in return, the LORD can handle that, as well. Life is too short and meaningful for us to neglect forgiveness.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom