Jesus binds our forgiveness of others to the Father’s forgiveness of us. A heart that refuses to release others’ offenses has not grasped its own debt before God. Forgiveness here is not a feeling but a decision: cancel the debt, release the grudge, entrust justice to God.
Matthew 6:14 KJV“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”
Read Matthew 6 →
Jesus makes forgiveness a condition, not a suggestion: forgive, and your Father will forgive you. Not when you feel ready, not when the wound has stopped hurting, not when the other person apologizes — forgive. The call here is to extend to others the same mercy you depend on from God. Is there someone in your life you have not yet forgiven? Hold it honestly before God: have you actually released that person, or are you still holding something against them?
You know who it is. Name the person right now — the one you have not forgiven. Release them today. Not when they apologize, not when you feel ready. Let go of the offense before you pray again. This is not about feelings; it is about the will. Forgive as your Father has forgiven you, or do not expect His forgiveness.
When you obey this command, you enter the same mercy you have received. The Father's forgiveness becomes real to you as you extend it to others. You discover that His mercy is not earned but freely given to those who give it. Forgiving others draws you into the heart of the Father, who forgave you first.
This is one of 69 direct commands of Jesus in the free Red Letter Challenge: All Commands of Jesus — The Living Sword
Read every Scripture in your chosen translation (WEB, KJV, Geneva, YLT, and more) at https://www.thelivingsword.org/red-letter-challenge/forgive-others-trespasses