Mark 11:26—“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Jesus spoke these words while teaching His disciples about believing prayer. Having commanded them to “Have faith in God” (v. 22), He also taught that effective prayer requires a forgiving heart: “When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any” (v. 25). Faith in God cannot be separated from a gracious disposition towards others.
Christ’s warning is solemn: “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” This does not mean that sinners earn God’s forgiveness by forgiving others. Scripture plainly teaches that forgiveness is granted by grace through Christ’s redeeming blood: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7). Our forgiveness of others is not the meritorious cause of God’s forgiveness but necessary evidence that we have truly experienced His mercy.
An unforgiving heart contradicts a profession of saving faith. The person who understands how much God has forgiven him cannot withhold forgiveness from a repentant brother. Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the unforgiving servant, who received extraordinary mercy yet refused to show it to another (Matthew 18:23–35).
Christ also speaks here of the Father’s forgiveness within His relationship with His children. Cherished bitterness disrupts communion with God and hinders prayer. A believer cannot approach the Father sincerely for cleansing while stubbornly refusing to let go of personal vengeance.
Forgiveness does not excuse sin, remove lawful consequences, or immediately restore broken trust. It means renouncing personal revenge, refusing to nurture resentment, and remaining willing to pursue reconciliation biblically.
Is there someone against whom you are harbouring bitterness? Remember the immeasurable mercy shown to you in Christ. Forgive, not to purchase God’s grace, but because His forgiving grace has conquered your heart.
