The Necessity of Forgiveness

And whenever you stand praying,

if you have anything against anyone, forgive him,

that your Father in heaven may also

forgive you your trespasses.

But if you do not forgive,

neither will your Father in heaven

forgive your trespasses.

Mark 11:25-26

“Anything against anyone”- An all-inclusive statement that includes both sins and simple dislikes, which cause the believer to hold something against another person.  “Anyone” incorporates believers and unbelievers.  

“Forgive”- Jesus states the believer’s ongoing duty to have a forgiving attitude.  Successful prayer requires forgiveness as well as faith.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Mark 11:25.