In reading Mark 11:19-26, I find myself drawn into a conversation with Jesus about faith, prayer, and forgiveness. He speaks with such clarity: “Have faith in God… 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… it will be done for him.” But what does that mean for us today, especially in a world where holding grudges and nursing old hurts feels all too common? In a time where division can creep into our relationships with just a few words, how do we live out this calling to move mountains and forgive?
Jesus’ call to “have faith in God” is more than just believing He exists. It’s a call to trust His power, His wisdom, and His timing in all things. And it’s interesting, isn’t it? Jesus links this radical faith—the kind that moves mountains—with the readiness to forgive. It’s as though He’s saying that true faith cannot stand on its own without the foundation of forgiveness. Faith without forgiveness is incomplete, almost powerless. When we’re holding on to resentment, our hearts are bound, limited in their ability to receive and move in God’s full power. I love how commentator William Barclay once put it: “Forgiveness is the bridge we build to reach others, just as Christ built the bridge to reach us.” When our faith lacks the spirit of forgiveness, it falls short of Christ’s example and His purpose for us.
So what does it look like to cultivate this kind of faith in our daily lives? For one, it requires us to examine our hearts. Are there old wounds we’re still carrying? Perhaps there’s a person or situation that, even thinking about it, brings up feelings of bitterness. Jesus challenges us here—not only to let go of those burdens but also to step into a faith that believes God can heal those relationships and soften those hardened places in our hearts. Forgiveness, after all, is a step of faith. It says, “God, I trust You to handle this, to make it right, to bring Your justice and mercy where it’s needed.” And in that act of trust, we find freedom. Scripture reminds us in Colossians 3:13, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” It’s a tall order, but one that brings us into alignment with His heart.
Now, let’s talk about this idea of “moving mountains.” In Jesus’ time, a mountain was often seen as a symbol of any great obstacle. For the disciples, that could mean the Roman Empire, the Pharisees’ strict laws, or even their own doubts. For us, mountains can look like broken relationships, financial hardship, health struggles, or deep-seated fears. But Jesus isn’t telling us to solve these problems ourselves; He’s saying that our faith in God has the power to change these situations. It’s not about commanding the universe like a genie; it’s about aligning ourselves with God’s will, trusting that He is powerful enough to work wonders in our lives. When I think about the mountains in my own life, I’m reminded of Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Our faith is anchored in a God who hears, who cares, and who acts in ways that are often beyond our understanding.
It’s also essential to realize that forgiveness itself can be a mountain we need faith to overcome. Sometimes, the biggest hurdle is our reluctance to let go. There’s a quote by C.S. Lewis that resonates here: “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” When we forgive, we’re not condoning hurtful actions; we’re simply trusting God to be the judge. And in releasing that burden, we’re free to walk forward in our relationship with Him unencumbered. Forgiveness isn’t just about releasing someone else; it’s about releasing ourselves, too. It’s saying, “God, I’m no longer carrying this. I’m putting it in Your hands.” This faith-filled act opens the door for God to bring healing, both to us and, potentially, to those we’re forgiving.
One of the practical ways to start cultivating this kind of faith is to make forgiveness a part of our prayer life. Before we bring our requests to God, let’s ask Him to reveal any grudges or resentments we’re holding. Let’s ask Him to help us forgive those who have wronged us. I’ve found that when I intentionally ask God to show me where forgiveness is needed, He brings people or situations to mind that I might not have considered. And in those moments, I choose—often imperfectly but with faith—to release those hurts to Him. When we incorporate forgiveness into our prayers, we’re saying, “Lord, I’m trusting You with this person, with this hurt, with this burden. I’m believing that Your way is better.” And over time, that choice becomes a habit, one that shapes our hearts to mirror His.
Let’s not forget that Jesus promises real, tangible results when we walk in faith and forgiveness. He says, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” This is not a blanket guarantee for every desire; rather, it’s an invitation to trust God’s power and provision. It reminds me of James 1:6-7, which encourages us to “ask in faith, with no doubting.” Faith, in its truest form, is a surrender of our will to God’s. It’s believing that He knows what we need even better than we do. And when our prayers are backed by a forgiving heart, we align ourselves with His desires, His will, and His kingdom purpose. When we bring our requests before Him with faith, we’re trusting Him to work, whether it’s by moving mountains or helping us let go of past wounds.
I challenge each of us today to consider what mountains God might be calling us to move through faith and forgiveness. Maybe it’s the mountain of bitterness, the mountain of fear, or even the mountain of reconciliation. Let’s take Jesus at His word and step into the faith that moves mountains, trusting Him to work in and through us. Let’s forgive as we’ve been forgiven, knowing that this act of faith is a testimony of God’s grace in our lives. Remember, faith and forgiveness go hand-in-hand, each empowering the other as we walk with Christ.
To go deeper into understanding the relationship between faith and forgiveness, I recommend reading this insightful article from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/articles/on-faith-and-forgiveness/.
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