We must forgive to be forgiven
By: Seth Gogo Egoeh

“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us” ~ Luke 11:4

Forgive us our sins. Many of us just stop here and forget that that was not the end of the statement. Jesus said, “Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us”, which presupposes that we have forgiven those who have wronged us first. For many of us, our prayers are not answered simply because we refuse to forgive those who have sinned against us. It is simple. If you want God to forgive you, then you must learn to forgive those who have wronged you. Forgiveness is not easy, but if we do it, we are the ones who benefit more. In some situations, the person you’re holding a grudge against is not even aware. If you are holding a grudge against someone who does not have the faintest idea that he or she has wronged you, between you two, who is holding himself captive? You’re the one who is holding yourself captive. In order to set yourself free, you need to let go and forgive. Forgiveness is the key that unlocks us from the shackles of hate.

Forgiveness has the idea of showing mercy. Instead of retribution, you choose to forgive. In forgiving your fellow human being, you’re showing mercy and thereby doing the will of God. The will of God is to show mercy because God himself has shown us mercy. Instead of dealing with us strictly on the principles of Justice, God has decided to deal with us on the principle of Mercy. When Justice called, Mercy answered. So it is in the will of God that we also show mercy; and to demonstrate that we have to forgive those who have wronged us. If someone offends you and asks for forgiveness choose to forgive. Even if the person doesn’t ask you can do the noblest thing and forgive him or her. If you do this, you’ll be at peace with yourself. If you need one reason why you need to forgive those who have wronged you remember that it is a pre-requisite to getting your prayers heard and answered by God. It is difficult, but it is something that we all need to do because people will offend us often.

May God who is very merciful and forgiving toward us grant you a heart of mercy and forgiveness. Amen!