If You Hold Anything Against Anyone

Mark 11:25

Published on: September 4, 2025

Last Updated on: September 4, 2025

Photo by Ed Jarrett

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Mark 11:25 NIV

I don’t suppose anyone is really immune to being hurt by other people. Part of being social creatures is that we interact with other people. And in the interaction is an endless opportunity for hurt or misunderstanding. Sometimes the hurt is intentional, and other times it is not. But in the end, hurt is hurt.

While hurt is inevitable, what we do with that hurt is not. We can choose how we are going to respond, both to the hurt, and the one who caused it. There are two primary responses I can make when hurt. I can hold onto the hurt, feeding the pain, and watching it grow. Or I can let go of it, looking to resolve whatever caused the hurt and not allowing it to rule over me.

Forgive

Jesus tells me here to forgive the one who has hurt me, to not hold it against them. Because, not only is that resentment festering inside of me like poison, it is also hindering my relationship with God. If your walk with God seems strained and distant, could it be because of unforgiveness on your part?

When you come before God in prayer, and a person comes to mind that you have an issue with, stop and pray for them, seeking to forgive them, and then continue with your quiet time (Matt. 5:23-24). Be free of the hurt. And be free to walk in harmony with God.

Finding Favor with God – Exodus 33:13

How do you find favor with God? Submit to him, seek to know him better, and live in obedience to him. Make that the goal of your prayer.

A Deacon and a Prostitute: A Parable Retold – Luke 18:9-14

What would Jesus’ parable of two men going to pray look like in today’s world. Might it be a Baptist deacon and a common prostitute?

A Prayer of Thanksgiving – Philemon 1:4-6

Be an example to others as you live out your faith in the Lord, loving and serving others. And encourage others to also live out their faith.

Sermon on the Mount: Ask, Seek, and Knock – Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus promises that if, as God’s children, we ask, we will receive. If we seek, we will find. And if we knock, the door will be opened.

(This post was originally published on

March 12, 2018

)

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Bible Study Mark Forgiveness Prayer Reconciliation

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

1 thought on “If You Hold Anything Against Anyone – Mark 11:25”

I am a very forgiven person, when I get the Truth and nothing but the truth, so help me GOD.I have always forgiven, It’s the “not forgetting” that is confused with the “forgiven” that I have to remind myself If I forgive then drop it and move on. If it continues then I will forgive myself for allowing it to happen over and over.Amen