Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Short of the ultimate expression of love in sacrificing your life for someone, there is perhaps nothing more like Christ than the ability to forgive, and nothing pays greater dividends for the one who forgives and the forgiven. For you the freedom is inexpressible and for the person forgiven it will be as though someone pulled back heavy drapes and let the morning sunlight in … a chance to let guilt roll away.

So often the malice which exists is born of misunderstanding and lack of communication and requires humility by one of the parties to resolve the issue.  The follower of Christ is the one who has to make the first move. “What? But it’s not my fault!” I hear you, but one of Jesus’ disciples named Peter wanted to know whether it was enough to forgive his brother seven times.  Jesus answered:  “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18: 22). The KJV says seventy times seven. The point is: as often as necessary.

Husbands and wives know, or eventually learn, that unless forgiveness becomes a habit their relationship does not stand a chance for survival. The need for forgiveness extends to immediate family members and other relatives as well as friends, co-workers and acquaintances. It pains me to hear of a child not having spoken to a parent in years, or siblings estranged from each other for extended periods. I can’t understand it. Is the pain worth it? To be a Christian means you have been forgiven by God. What has that meant to you? Now your Savior is asking you to make this your first act of grace. Forgive someone today. Pick up the phone or better yet, meet with them.

Jesus once asked his audience “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). The unforgiving spirit is a fertile soil for all kinds of negativity. It not only impacts relationships but is corrosive to the mind and kills your joy if left to fester long enough. Learn to see events in your life through the lens of the cross of Christ. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32).