When Jesus taught us to pray He said, “…when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, in this manner, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And FORGIVE US our debts, AS WE FORGIVE our debtors…” (Matt. 6:6-12) A few verses later AMY, Jesus teaches us, “…if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father WILL ALSO FORGIVE YOU. But if you DO NOT FORGIVE men their trespasses, NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES.” (Matt. 6:14-15)
So, we are forgiven AS WE forgive and WE ARE NOT FORGIVEN if we make the choice NOT TO FORGIVE. Just so we understand, “…whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, FORGIVE HIM, that your Father in heaven may also FORGIVE YOU YOUR TRESPASSES. But if you DO NOT FORGIVE, NEITHER WILL your Father in heaven FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES.” (Mark 11:25-26) I think this is why Jesus gave us the NEW COMMANDMENT: “A new commandment I give to you, that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO HAVE UNFORGIVING FEELINGS TOWARD SOMEONE AND AT THE SAME TIME LOVE THEM AS JESUS LOVES US!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham