Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: James 5:13-18 and Mark 11:12-25

James 5 appears to indelibly connect prayer with confession and forgiveness. Perhaps this is a recognition that while physical wellness is important to the Lord, spiritual wellness is even more so. The Lord cares deeply when our bodies are in pain, and even more deeply when our relationship with Him or with others is harmed by our wrongdoing. So, just as James 5 instructs us to pray for each other that we may be healed, in the same breath it instructs us to confess our sins to each other so that we may be healed. The ministry of the Church family is to bring healing to relationships and healing to bodies.

Likewise, when Jesus spoke in Mark 11 He made the connection between praying and forgiveness. “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Jesus reminded us here of the principle He also laid down while teaching “The Lord’s Prayer”, that if we will not forgive others their sins against us, neither will the Father forgive our sins (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness appears to behave like water in a hosepipe, which can only flow in the one end at the same rate it is flowing out the other end. If we refuse to give forgiveness, it is impossible for us to receive forgiveness. So, yet again, Jesus prioritises forgiveness and the healing of our relationships with God and others.

God is even more intent on the miracle of relational healing than any other form of miracle.

Father, when I struggle to forgive others, please empower me to do so by Your grace. When I struggle to admit my sin and ask the forgiveness of others, please empower me to do so by Your grace. Heal my relationships with You and others, and miraculously restore them I pray, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.