Matt 6:15 KJV” But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

To forgive is to let go an offense and the person who caused it from your heart such that you no longer feel bitter or offended towards them. To forgive therefore demands two things letting go the act and the person from your heart.

Our Lord Jesus taught extensively about forgiveness and the great importance for forgiving those who offend us. During His days He taught that those who fail to forgive their offenders will not be forgiven. When Peter asked how often should he forgive those who offend him, the Lord answered, Matt 18:22 KJV “Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven”. What did the Lord mean by this statement? He meant we must forgive without limit. It also means bearing no grudge in your heart against no one.

In Matt 18:35 the Lord taught that for one’s forgiveness to be accepted before the father it must be an issue from the heart. I have encountered persons who have been offended, when it comes to forgiving the offender, their facial expressions show that they still bear the pain of the offense and so.  they are not able to freely talk to their offenders. They have not forgiven from their heart.

The Lord held to the view that to live a happy life and to receive the goodwill of others, we must learn to forgive them. Luke 6:37 KJV ” Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” The Lord reveals in this passage that, whatever you do to and for others will be surely done for you, but in this time, you will receive it in a multiplied way. He said, what you give would be given back to you in a good measure, pressed down, shaken together running over will men give to you.

The Lord taught that without forgiving others’ faults, one’s prayers cannot be answered. Mark 11:25 KJV” And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Why is the Lord so concerned about forgiving one another? All men are in the image of God and so every evil against any man ultimately goes against God. The Lord taught that, if you come to the altar of sacrifice, only to remember your brother holds a grudge against you, just stop your sacrifice, go to your neighbour and settle the issue before you bring your sacrifice. Matt 5:24 KJV “Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first, be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

 God cannot be pleased when his word has been broken in our relationship with our fellow man.

CONFESSION

Thank you, dear father, for showing us the way of forgiveness. You forgave us when we killed and reproached you. I also forgive all those who offend me Indeed I forgive them from my heart, with no ill feelings whatsoever

THOUGHT:  FORGIVE FOR NO OFFENSE CAN BE COMPARED TO OUR OFFENSE AGAINST JESUS.

FURTHER STUDIES

Matt 18:35 KJV “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

Luke 6:37 KJV “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”