Ministry & Growth

FORGIVENESS: NOT A CHOICE BUT A REQUIREMENT

By Apostle M. Taylor

Mark 11:25 — Forgiveness Is a Command

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”

Forgiveness is one of the most essential yet misunderstood commands God gives to His people. Many believers treat forgiveness as if it is based on emotion—something we offer when we feel ready or when the pain finally settles. But forgiveness was never meant to be driven by feelings; it is anchored in obedience. According to Scripture, forgiveness is not optional, not conditional, and not situational. It is a divine requirement that protects our hearts, preserves our spiritual clarity, and keeps us aligned with the will of God.

When Jesus taught, “If you have anything against anyone, forgive,” He removed every loophole and excuse. Forgiveness is not about fairness; it is about freeing your spirit from the weight of offense. It is not about approving someone’s behavior; it is about releasing the power their actions have over your emotions, your mind, and your walk with God. Unforgiveness becomes a spiritual barricade—blocking prayers, hindering peace, distorting discernment, and delaying breakthrough. It creates an entry point for the enemy to sow bitterness, resentment, and torment. Many believers don’t realize that holding onto offense places them in spiritual captivity far longer than the situation itself ever could.

Forgiveness, however, is not equal to reconciliation. You can forgive someone completely and still keep necessary boundaries in place. Forgiving someone does not require restored trust or restored access; it simply means the chains of bitterness have been broken. It means you have chosen spiritual freedom over emotional imprisonment. True forgiveness allows God to heal what apologies, explanations, or closure never could. Some individuals will never apologize, never acknowledge the pain they caused, and never take responsibility—but God never tied your healing to their apology. He tied it to your willingness to obey Him.

When we choose to forgive, we reflect the character of Christ. We forgive because we were forgiven first. God did not hold our past over us, revisit our failures, or place conditions on His grace. He wiped the slate clean. When we extend that same grace to others, we demonstrate maturity, humility, and spiritual growth. Forgiveness keeps our hearts tender and our spirits sensitive to the voice of God.

You cannot move forward into your purpose while dragging the weight of yesterday’s hurt. Your destiny is too important, your calling too valuable, and your anointing too precious for unforgiveness to sit in the driver’s seat of your life. Forgiveness shifts you back into alignment and positions you for clarity, peace, and spiritual authority. It opens the door for God to move freely in your life, unhindered by the walls offense tries to build.

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is always necessary. It is not a choice—it is a requirement for every believer who desires to walk in freedom, obedience, and victory. Today, release what is weighing on your spirit. Let God do the healing. Let God handle the justice. And let forgiveness be the key that unlocks your next season.