To Forgive or Not to Forgive?

"To forgive sins is divine not only in the sense that no one is able to do it except God, but also because no one can do it without God." S. Kierkegaard

"Forgive us our debts as we have also forgiven our debtors" Matthew 6:12.

It's not easy to forgive. We want forgiveness for our offenses yet we're reluctant to forgive the offenses of others.

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" Matthew 6:13-15. Jesus wasn't kidding. If the forgiven refuses to forgive others, then forgiveness will be withheld from him.

Forgiveness means "release" -- a release from personal judgment. It means I release the one who sinned against me from my judgment and release him or her to God's mercy. Forgiveness lets go of revenge, anger, and hurt. I want to get even; God requires me to give mercy instead.

A forgiven person is a broken person. We admit our sin. We own our guilt. We confess. And Papa-God quickly forgives. It is the broken person who is asked to forgive others. Only when we see our own dirt can we forgive others their dirt.

To ask God for forgiveness and then refuse to forgive someone else affronts God's grace. This self-righteous attitude disqualifies us from receiving forgiveness.

To forgive or not to forgive? That is the question.