Matthew 6:15 – Overcoming the Problems of Forgiveness, Part 2

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

The world’s philosophy says, forgive other people for your own benefit.  God is much wiser:  He shows us that Forgiven People Forgive.  Our motivation is not solely to forgive so we can benefit; our motivation is to forgive so others will see how loving and kind God is.  But what happens when we stubbornly decide we will not extend forgiveness to someone else?  

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In Matthew 18:23-35, God tells us essentially that when we refuse to forgive others, our Heavenly Father will not forgive us.  This is not speaking about our salvation, but it is rather showing that our current relationship with Him will seem distant and cold.  He illustrates this by pointing out in a story that an earthly king had forgiven the massive debt owed to him by one of his servants.  Yet, this same servant could not forgive the much smaller amount of money owed to him by one of his friends.  Once the king learned his forgiven servant could not, himself, forgive, the king admonished him and sent him to debtor’s prison to pay the original debt.  Imagine if creditors were like that today!  Jesus summed it up this way:  “if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15)

Have you accepted Christ as personal Lord and Savior, but there seems to be distance between you and the Heavenly Father?  Are the blessings of peace and satisfaction knowing Him seemingly running short these days?  Examine your life and see if there is anyone you have not forgiven; then, forgive them from the heart.  Jesus did not wait for his enemies to ask for forgiveness; forgive from the heart of mercy God has given you.  Restore your relationship to your friend, and to your God!

Listen to the complete message below.