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Reasons for Unanswered Prayer: Wrong Relationship with a Brother

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24 NKJV).

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 NKJV).

How often we forfeit our own wellbeing to the sinful passion of un-forgiveness. When we harbor hatred in our hearts for a brother, we harbor a heinous sin, a life-threatening sin.

This is true because the mark of a true believer is love. As it is written, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Again, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death” (1 John 3:14).

But you say, “I have forgiven my brother, I can’t help that he won’t forgive me.” Very well, but Christ said if your brother has something against you, you are to go to him and seek to be reconciled. So, have you sought reconciliation?

Don’t deceive yourself; if you are unwilling to seek reconciliation, then you have not really forgiven the offense. Pride often disguises itself in logic. Do not allow it to dissuade you from what is right.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7 NKJV).

God loves His children, and He is the perfect parent. He will not spare the rod to spoil His children. Don’t expect to be rewarded for disobedience. Often the problems we find ourselves praying about are the result of our own sinfulness.

Therefore, if you have an issue with a brother, you must deal with it if you want God’s blessing. So, instead of praying for the problem to go away, ask God to give you a clear understand of the problem and the courage to deal with it in humility. That’s a prayer He will answer!