That’s obvious enough — I’m typing this, after all!

So there’s no question there.

But is there a question here?

“He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living” (Mark 12:27).

I know the context of this verse has to do with whether or not there is life after death. But I’m applying it to life before death.

As in right now.

Is He God of the living?

In other words, is He my God (since I am living)?

Yes!

But what will that mean for me today?

I will live for Him today. Acting as He would have me act. Speaking as He would have me speak. Thinking as He would have me think. Being what He would have me be.

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if you have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25).

How much more plain could that be?

When I am praying, God expects me to forgive.

Otherwise, He won’t forgive me.

And neither will He pay attention to my prayers.

So if I have an unforgiving spirit, why bother praying?

If I do not forgive, I show that I value my grudge more than I value God and my relationship with him.

Forgiving gives me freedom to pray.