Is God Listening?

One of my churches I left with a memory full of broken relationships and a heart full of anger.  When I left I thought I had put it all behind me.  I was certain it was not my fault so the ball was not in my court.  A year or so into my new appointment I heard about a bankruptcy of one of my antagonist in the church I had left.  My first thought upon hearing his bad news was, "Well, he got what he deserved!"  No sooner had the words rolled around in my thoughts than the Holy Spirit spoke, convicting me, and telling me I had some heart work to do.    

I did not argue with the Spirit.  I confessed He was right and asked first for God's forgiveness and then I forgave the man who meant me so much harm.  Though I could not see him, he was forgiven.  It would be years before our paths crossed, but when they did, we both were ready to shake hands, acknowledge that we could have done differently, and face to face forgive one another.  It took me far too long to get my own heart in order and forgive him.  There was one other in my ministry that I wanted to ask for forgiveness, but I waited too long.  This is to say that if we know about broken relationships in our life, the best time to be reconciled to a brother or sister is today.  

If we value our life with Christ, it is the only way we can truly be at one with Him.  To stand in the sanctuary and pray the prayer, "Our Father who art in heaven....forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.."  and know we have  broken and unforgiving relationships in our life only means that we are making a mockery of the prayer.  The Father may choose not  to listen.