"The Other ‘F’ Word" by Margaret Slaughter

“For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.”

Matthew 6:14-15 AMP

Forgiveness.  The other ‘F’ word.  The perfect gift if we’re receiving it.  But what about when YOU have to give it?  If we’re honest, it’s sometimes one of the hardest things to do.  Our flesh’s natural reaction is to get revenge.  Repay the offender.  However, that’s contrary to God’s Word.

‘But you don’t know what they did to me’, you say.  Unfortunately, God didn’t put an escape clause on this forgiveness thing.  It’s full on all or nothing!

‘But how many times do I have to forgive’, you ask?  Let’s go to the 18^th Chapter of Matthew and see what He says about that: ²¹“Then Peter came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?’  ²²Jesus answered him, ‘I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven.’”  Really?  Yes, really!

Our subject scripture explains that refusing to forgive “interferes with your relationship with God”.  It further explains “if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.”  Essentially, if you expect Him to forgive you for your sins, then you are required to forgive others.

Now what?  Pray!

Matthew 5:44 NLT “But I say, love your enemies!  Pray for those who persecute you!”

Romans 12:20 NLT “If your enemies are hungry, feed them.  If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Philippians 4:13 NLT “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Margaret Slaughter