The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Cherishing Sin Hinders Prayer

The psalmist invited all to hear about the opportunity for securing God’s favor (v. 16). He was full of joy because the Lord had heard his prayers. He knew this was only possible because of his genuine humility and distaste for the sins present in his life. “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (v. 18).

Jesus taught that if someone is holding a grudge against someone, they must forgive them in order to receive forgiveness themselves from the Lord (Mk 11:25). This is not a contradiction to grace — adding some formula of work before one can receive pardon. Jesus wants people to go to God with integrity, refusing to make requests while harboring things God hates. It puts people into a position of humility — yielded to God’s authority and aligned with his Word.

Taken from the NIV The Jesus Bible.