Read: Matthew 6:14-15

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Reflect:
This week I listened to a podcast as the pastor referred to the fact that God’s forgiveness is so complete that “as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”(Psalm 103:12)

I’ve had a few embarrassing moments over the years and none stands out more than a time when I listened to my Dad as he spoke on this brief passage. At that point in time, I simply didn’t grasp the full meaning of what His forgiveness means. When we ask for forgiveness, He forgives so thoroughly that he never feels anger, bitterness or judgment. He doesn’t create a “black sheep” list, no matter how ugly or frequent our mistakes.

In the passage above Jesus states that we are to also imitate God’s ability to forgive.  On our own forgiveness is difficult, but if we reflect what God has done for us to others then that same kind of forgiveness is available.

Respond:

How would it feel to be able to fully forgive so that we let go of the anger, bitterness and judgment?

Who will you encounter today or tomorrow where the extension of grace would be helpful?