“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23-34.

A New Year is just over the horizon… many are already considering resolutions to make physical or mental lifestyle improvements. . . yet, have we considered the old hurts, grudges and painful situations that continuously keep us at bay from loved ones and friends- as we kneel to pray today, let us take to heart these words from the Lord: “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23-24. Let us resolve to examine ourselves as a part of true worship and seek to mend broken relationships.

It is inevitable that we all fall short sometimes and definitely need forgiveness.  God in His lovingkindness and mercifulness faithfully forgives us when we seek Him in true repentance. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

Likewise, the bible teaches us, that just as we receive forgiveness from our Heavenly Father, we must also have compassion and mercy for others. Matthew 6:12 states: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” and yes…as life would have it sometimes, there are those who transgress against us over and over again!

But listen to the words of Jesus to the apostle Peter when he inquired about how many times to forgive his brother who had sin against him; “Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven time: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:22.

That is similar to us telling someone “I have told you a million times!” you don’t literally mean a million times. Jesus was saying do not keep score just keep on forgiving. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23.

Forgiveness is a heart matter. It takes human compassion and the love of God to forgive those who have hurt or wronged us in some way without holding a grudge; however, if we choose not to show the same grace and mercy that we receive, we sin and will reap the consequences. “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15.

No, it is not easy to forgive when we have been hurt; but how many of us have sweated great drops of blood or have been crucified on a cross for the sins of the entire world- nobody but Jesus! So, before you began to sing a somebody did me wrong song…look to the cross! “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Hebrews 12:3-4.

The Holy Spirit is able to give us all the compassion and love that we need to forgive one another. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:9-10. It’s called the empowerment to give grace for grace…. God so lovingly gives us His amazing grace and we too by His power must extend grace to others. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32.

May God help us to freely forgive one another. “I don’t forgive people because I am weak; I forgive them because I am strong enough to accept the fact that we all make mistakes.” Unknown.

God blessings and peace be with us all.