Tresspass and Forgiveness

20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” 26 

Mark 11:20-26 (ESV)

I was going to share about forgiveness this morning but I believe we need to understand something about trespassing so we can understand forgiveness better. Sometimes that is why we are so unable to give and receive forgiveness because we don’t really believe what we have done was wrong to start with. The understanding of what it means to trespass is the answer to finding and giving true forgiveness. A trespass as defined by Webster’s dictionary as anything that is a violation of moral or social ethics, very broad definition; it is also defined as an unlawful act committed on the person, property or rights of another. That definition is as a noun as a verb it is an action it means to make an uninvited or unwarranted incursion. So I am sure you’re wondering what the point is. The point is often we do not realize or admit when we have trespassed on others. It happens first out of a lack of understanding and secondly out of a lack of self-control. We as people are going to make mistakes and poor choices. We would like to blame them on God or the devil; but our failings and weaknesses are to be honest often a conscious choice for us; to do what we know is wrong. When we do that we are trespassing on those around us who we should be caring for and showing love to. I challenge you to watch your step and your interactions make sure what you are doing is in obedience to the Word of God and then you won’t find yourself treading on others as we all try to walk with God. Than forgiveness becomes much easier to give and receive. Have a blessed day.