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Matt 6:12, 14-15 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors…14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. A direct correlation between our forgiveness by God and the forgiveness of others is seen in the Lord’s prayer and this restatement of the truth in a more vivid way. Part of prayer is confession and forgiveness granted by God. We need it like a daily shower. You know how you stink if you don’t bathe yourself. Like a stream flowing through us to others.. we must forgive if we want to be forgiven. It couldn’t be any plainer from this scripture. I’ve never understood why people thought unforgiveness and holding a grudge were best for them. Regardless of the injustice, we feel we have a right to hold a grudge and don’t see bitterness arising and taking over our life. They don’t see it as necessary as the air we breathe. Jesus vividly illustrated that in the parable of the unforgiving servant. Forgiveness is the key to power. Jesus on the cross forgave those who put Him there then died for our sins. Stephen asked God not to hold those who were killing Him responsible for stoning Him. Jesus stood in heaven in His honor. Paul saw Stephen’s forgiveness and always remembered this sterling example referring to it often after he was converted and became the greatest missionary ever. Your children look to you. Your church needs you to stop being petty. Unforgiveness definitely holds a church back. If you want to be whole physically, emotionally, and spiritually forgive to be forgiven. You have no other options. The sooner the better so you can start breathing God’s fresh air of forgiveness. --- Dan Nelson