Hindrances to Prayer: Reasons God May Not Answer Your PrayersSample

Unforgiveness

It has been said that staying angry and not forgiving others is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. When we forgive others, we are removing the poison from our own lives. Scripture says we must forgive others.

Matthew 6:14-15 - If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Mark 11:25 - 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.

Colossians 3:13 - Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Reflect: If someone wrongs us, does the other person have to apologize first before we forgive them?

We must ask others to forgive us:

Matthew 5:23-24 - So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

Proverbs 28:13 - People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Ephesians 4:26-27 - And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Reflect: Why should we settle arguments quickly?

We should live at peace with others:

Ephesians 4:31-32 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Romans 12:17-18 - Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

1 Peter 4:8 - Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Proverbs 19:11 - Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

Reflect: What things do these scriptures say will help us live in peace with others? Is there anyone to whom you should seek forgiveness? Pray for His wisdom and strength, He will be with you as you seek to resolve unsettled relationships in your life. He gave His all for our forgiveness, we can rely on that strength, which He freely shares, to show His love to one another.