Of all Jesus’ teachings, it has proven consistently to be the most difficult one of all.

Consider anew what Jesus says when teaching us how to pray and, therefore, live: “…forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:12-13)

Jesus immediately continues to make sure we understand clearly how essential forgiveness is as a daily Christian practice: “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” (v. 14)

When I first came to Jesus, I raced right through these words as if the speed limit signs did not pertain to me.

Jesus is says what He means and means what He says. Unforgiveness blocks God’s Love. Forgiveness releases God’s Love.

Unforgiveness strangles and holds us captive to anger and resentment. It breeds edginess, judgement and irritability. In this way, unforgiveness truly torments.

The more we release God’s mercy through forgiveness, the more God’s mercy can and will fill us.

While nailed to the Cross, Jesus exclaims, “Father, forgive them they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). These spoken words are eternal words. They are alive today whenever we seek to connect with God and ask His help to forgive the offence and hurt of another.

To learn the 4 simple steps to forgive: www.drawnear.com