A heart full of love, both towards God and your fellow man, is a fundamental requirement, if your prayer must get through to the throne room of heaven.
Forgiveness is an expression of love. When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, one of the things He told them to say was, “And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.” That is to say, “Lord, forgive us, just the way we forgive others. Don’t forgive us what we don’t forgive others.”
If we document other people’s sins against us, then the Lord will document ours also; if we desire their hurt, He will desire our hurt also, when you don’t forgive those who have offended you, your sins also remain unforgiven. Until your sins are forgiven, you don’t have a prayer access to God.
The Psalmist said in Psalm 130:3:
“If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand”?
Many have been crying in all manner of prayers, fastings and vigils, yet God hasn’t heard them, because they are holding back the sins of others in their hearts. You probably have told your neighbour, “It is over, I have forgiven you.” But it is not over yet in your heart. And because the Bible says in Psalm 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me”, your prayers go unheard.
It is spiritual foolishness to live with unforgiveness; the cost is too high. It is one of the traps of the devil to make you lose favour with God. Read what Jesus said in Matthew 18:23-35 from your Bible.
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Until you free that man or woman, God will not hear your cry of affliction. That man might have really cheated you, and that woman insulted you terribly, but let him go! Let her go! Until the love foundation is in place, effectual prayer is impossible.
Watch any man who walks in hatred, malice and unforgiveness, his life keeps drying up. And because he has no access to God’s favour, he is a cheap prey of the devil. Your expression of love for your fellowmen is the authentic proof of your salvation. The Bible says, “Whosoever claims to love God, and hates his brother, is a liar” (1 John 4:20).
You may pray as long as you like, remain on your knees all the days of your life and fast for as many days as possible, if you have imprisoned somebody in your heart through unforgiveness, you will never have a breakthrough, because the Scriptures cannot be broken.
Love is your vital link with God, and the foundation stones of the altar of your heart. There is a future in forgiveness. Let love flow from your heart to everyone and you will see God step into the affairs of your life.
Examine yourself, to see if there is anywhere your altar has been broken down, and plead the mercy of God for restoration. Rededicate your life to God and be determined never to be found doing what displeases Him. That long-awaited answer to your prayers will be delivered to you now, in Jesus’ name!
Shalom!
#pstnath
