But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. Matthew 6:15 NABRE
A necessity of any relationship, and in particular our relationship with God, is forgiveness. It is human nature we are offended or take offense. Sometimes we unnecessarily take offense. Someone remarks, “you were very aggressive taking care of that problem, thank you.” An intended compliment with a word like aggressive may put us off and emotionally we are offended and left feeling badly. Jesus teaches we need to forgive, it frees us, while holding on to offense imprisons us. But, forgiveness is difficult, for some reason when we are hurt we want to strike out, get even, the least of which is to hold a grudge against the offender. God knows how much not forgiving can ruin our day and ultimately make us negative in life. Jesus teachings puts forgiveness at the forefront, forgive no matter what is Jesus’ mantra. So He tells us God won’t forgive us if we don’t forgive others. A very sensical statement, God judges us as we judge others. But it sounds very human, not very godly. God may not forgive us the things we do not forgive others, but God will find a way to be merciful.
It is human nature that keeps us from forgiving, God nature is always about mercy and finding a way to lead us to freedom. These words may be motivation to encourage us to forgive, but I think in reality God doesn’t hold grudges. As we live we must find a way to forgive, it is what God knows is best for us, but I think in death God finds a way to forgive us all our transgression through mercy. After all who could survive if we were judged fairly for a life of sinfulness? It seems teachings like these help certain denominations recognize the doctrine of purgatory.
Is it difficult for you to forgive? How do you feel when offended?
As we live we must find a way to forgive, it is what God knows is best for us, but I think in death God finds a way to forgive us all our transgression through mercy. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #forgive #mercy #Matthew #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways