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

The enemy of our souls is constantly putting roadblocks in our paths to sin, and there are times we walk right into his traps of deception… falling short and needing forgiveness. But when we seek God in true repentance, He lovingly extends His mercy and grace towards us.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

Likewise, the bible teaches us that just as we seek and receive forgiveness from our Heavenly Father, we must also show compassion and forgive others. Matthew 6:12 states: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” 

Forgiveness is a heart matter. It takes human compassion and the love of God to forgive those who have hurt or wronged us in some way without holding a grudge. I am reminded of the parable of the Unmerciful Servant. His master called on him to account for ten thousand talents that he owed him. He fell and worshipped him and begged for his patience until he could repay. The master had compassion on him and let him go.

This same servant went out and found one of his own fellow servants that owed him talents and demanded payment. The servant was unable to pay and ask for his patience. The unmerciful servant denied the fellow servant his request. The news reached his master, and he questioned him about this treatment of the fellow servant, his fate was far worst…he was turned over to the tormentors until he could repay his own debt! “Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee.” Matthew 18:32-33.

The parable of this unmerciful servant is a warning and reminder for us all, if we choose not to show the mercy that we receive, we will reap the consequences. “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15.

Certainly, it is not easy to forgive when we have been hurt; but how many of us have sweat great drops of blood, and was crucified on a cross for the sins of the entire world? There is absolutely no comparison. Hebrews 12:3-4 reminds us “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”

So, the next time that you find yourself having a pity party, singing somebody did me wrong song…look to the cross! “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23. The Holy Spirit empowers us with the grace that we need to live in righteousness towards our fellowman and walk pleasing before our Savior. It is called grace for grace…. God so lovingly gives us His amazing grace and we too by His power must extend grace to others.

Let us consider these words “I don’t forgive people because I am weak; I forgive them because I am strong enough to accept the fact that we all make mistakes.” Unknown. God so graciously forgives us every single day…let us pray for humble and obedient hearts to show compassion on those who transgress against us!

May God’s amazing grace and peace keep us all!