Must We Forgive?

   A parable -    ...his master turned him over to the jailers... 

   This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart. Matt. 18:34-35.            No fake forgiveness.   

   Our forgiving Lord is that serious about our attitude. 

   Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37.             Simple as that.

   Paul urged forgiveness … in order that Satan might not outwit us. 2 Cor. 2:10-11

   He added: Therefore, as God’s chosen people… Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love…  Col. 3:12-13

   We met. Aware of my imperfections, I asked her to forgive me. She nodded yes, and asked for forgiveness. I nodded yes.

   That didn’t solve any problems. There was no way to restore that special relationship unless both of us submitted to Christ. 

But, forgiveness slew bitterness.

   And you (baby John) will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation, through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God…               - his father, Zechariah, Luke 1:76-78

             Jimmy