Jesus is very clear that if we do not forgive others, then we are not forgiven. Matthew 18:23-25 tells us the parable of the unforgiving servant who did not forgive his fellow servant for not paying him even though he had been forgiven for his even greater debt. The unforgiving servant is thrown in jail by his master because the servant did not show mercy to another even though the master showed mercy on him. How can we say that we can’t forgive someone, when God has forgiven us for so much more? Matthew 6:15 shows that there is no forgiveness for the one who does not forgive because an unforgiving spirit bears witness to the fact that he never repented. Being forgiven by Christ should change us. We who willingly pray to be forgiven should also be just as willing to forgive. Being forgiven and forgiving others are a package deal. You cannot have one without the other. Are you having a hard time forgiving others? Remember how much you were forgiven, and have the same attitude as Christ did.
