“For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses” (Matthew 6:14-15).
This is not a conditional phrase in the sense that if you do one thing, our Lord will do another. But it is conditional in that your heart will reveal whether you are like Christ. To have a forgiving attitude reflects Christ in you. Seek first the righteousness Christ gives and then all else which is needed shall be added. If you are filled with hate, how can there be a relationship of love?
Lord, I do not ponder over these things enough. I put things on a list and then check them off when I think I’ve accomplished what needs to be done. Help me to meditate upon what it means to be a forgiving person. You have forgiven me. Help me to learn how to truly forgive others. Only in the power of the Holy Spirit is this truly possible. To receive forgiveness, you must rid yourself of the bitterness that a lack of forgiveness retains. As you sow, so shall you reap.
Lord, I do want to be free. Lead me in the freedom You give through forgiveness. Help me to learn how to let go of resentment so that I can forgive as I have been forgiven. These things are not conditional, but a part of the healing process as I recover from the sins of this world. Lead me always, Lord Jesus, so that I may walk the narrow path and become like You according to the Father’s will. Amen.
