THE EMPTY VESSEL

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

Reflection

At first glance, this verse may seem to suggest that God withholds His forgiveness until we forgive others. But God’s grace is never bound. Instead, Jesus is teaching us that unforgiveness clutters the heart and blocks the Spirit’s flow through us.

Bitterness and resentment are like a dam in a river. What should flow freely and bring life downstream becomes stopped and stagnant. God’s Spirit is always moving, but when our hearts are clogged with grudges, what pours out of us is murky rather than refreshing.

Jesus taught that it is not what goes into a person that makes them unclean, but what flows out (Mark 7:15). When we release bitterness and extend forgiveness, we are emptied of what chokes His flow. Then we become vessels—clear, open channels for His Living Water. Through us, His Word and His love can stream unhindered, bringing refreshment to thirsty souls around us.

Reflection Question

Is there any unforgiveness in my heart that may be obstructing God’s flow through me?

Prayer

Lord, search my heart and show me where unforgiveness still lingers. Empty me of bitterness so that I may be a vessel filled only with Your Spirit, ready to pour out Your love to others. Amen.

Charlie Kirk was an empty vessel through which God flowed smoothly. Unobstructed, uncorrupted; a vessel that allowed God's Word to flow through him unhindered. I dedicate this devotional to him.

Thank you for reading! This blog exists to bring biblical clarity to the stories shaping our world. If you’ve been encouraged, share this post with someone who needs truth and hope today. Together, let’s stand firm in Christ – where faith meets the front page. These are my thoughts. What are yours?