Matthew 6:14-15 NLT
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Showing forgiveness to others is genuinely hard. Think about it: when someone wrongs us or does something hurtful to us, we like to let that pain rot and resonate inside of us, making it a struggle to want to forgive.
That's what makes this verse so shaking to me. As sinful humans, we mess up all the time, yet, whenever we ask God for forgiveness, He willingly gives it to us. On the other hand, whenever someone offends us, we are not as willing to show them the same forgiveness.
The truth and reality behind forgiveness are simple. When we choose to forgive others, God will also forgive us. If we don't, He will not forgive us either. Honestly speaking, these verses are some of the most intense things I have ever read. But really, think about it; if we don't forgive, God won't forgive. This concept goes both ways on our part and the Lord's. I do not know about you, but I would hate to let my sinful, prideful, arrogant desires get in the way of my forgiveness with the Father. Now, hear me out. I am not saying this is easy at all. Trust me, forgiveness is as hard as anything, and sometimes, it feels like holding a grudge is the best option. If we are truly being honest with ourselves, we can all say that grudges end up hurting us and holding us back sometimes even more than those who hurt us! So at the end of the day, keep in mind the importance of forgiveness. If the Lord can look past all of our sins and still love us unconditionally, then what is the least we can do for our neighbor? After all, it goes both ways.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Please help me when it comes to forgiving others. At the end of the day, we are all human, and we will all mess up, so help me take Your example into practice, and forgive with no strings attached.
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