Jesus finished His famous instruction on prayer with “Amen” but then emphasizes, again, the importance of forgiveness. (Matt 6:14-15)

Friends, when the God of the universe repeats Himself we need to pay attention!

If we want to pray effectively and walk in freedom, if we want our Father to forgive us, we absolutely must forgive others. Period.

It is so important to our spiritual health that Jesus pauses to make sure we understand. If we don’t forgive others, God will not forgive us. Go read Matthew 6:15.

There is no exception.
No ifs, ands, or buts!

There is no freedom for those who hold on to unforgiveness and, as the old saying goes, it’s like taking poison and expecting the other person to get sick.

But as we pray FOR those who have hurt us (see Tuesday’s post) and as we ask God to help us forgive and refute the lie from the enemy that we cannot or should not, we will find incredible freedom, peace and a closer walk with Jesus.

And, (this is really cool) —as we forgive others, we come to understand just a little bit more about our Savior who freely forgave us, going so far as to take the penalty of our sins upon Himself and dying on a Cross. And, He remembers our sins no more! (Heb 8:12)

And if the Sinless Lamb remembers our sin no more, who are we to remember the sin of those who have sinned against us?

Let’s be more like Jesus. That’s the better way.

readMatthew

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