"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15)
Jesus quickly forgave and forgot when men offended Him, and He found no need to be right or defend Himself when He was accused or attacked. He reconciled all things good in the light of His Father’s sovereign will. Therefore, He encourages us to do what He modeled for us – forgetting, letting go, and pressing forward toward the vision of glory the Father places in our hearts.
When we don't forgive, we keep those who sinned against us in the prison of our resentment; and someone has to guard that prison -- us. So, we are chained to bitterness and misery, unless we do as Jesus commands -- forgive. There is no time in our fleeting lives for fretting over offenses, slights, and old hurts from days gone by. While we all experience hurtful things, the Lord offers us freedom from the power they would have over us through forgiveness. We must never forget the price Jesus paid so that we might be forgiven. That way we will be sure to forgive others quickly and completely, just as He did for us. This is the clean and free life He offers us through forgiveness. Forgiven people forgive. Amen.
Let's Pray - Father, may I quickly and completely forgive others their trespasses, just as You have forgiven mine. Amen.
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