Matthew 6:15
"But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses".
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Forgiveness is a choice, it can only be extended voluntarily. It cannot be demanded, earned or legislated. Everyone who has been wronged feel a kind of hurt within. Its natural. That's why it's so difficult to forgive people. Who have wronged you. But then, to forgive is divine. The scripture above describes how God will not grant forgiveness to men who do not forgive their tresspassers. It's a serious topic for God not to forgive you. Because the Bible makes us aware that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We all need forgiveness from God. Choose, then, to release those who have wronged you from bondage of your anger. You will discover broken shackles at your own feet.
Luke 6:37
"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven".
We all have shortcomings that make us imperfect. The very thing you will judge someone on, is what will be used to condemn you. Man can only judge hypocritically and to refrain from such harsh judgement, let's all stay away from judgement. For judgement is for the Lord. I remember the story of Moses, Aaron and Miriam. Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses due to Moses marrying a Cushite woman. In todays world , one will say since Moses set the laws he had no right to disobey and that Aaron and Miriam were right. But the Lord rebuked them and punished Miriam with leprosy. Notice how God rescued Moses from being Judged. He is the ultimate judge so let's refrain from Judgement.
We sometimes condemn other people, family members, politicians , our leaders, the electoral commission and even our Bishops, Apostles, Lay Leaders and many others. Set out from today to forgive and not to condemn.
Lord, please make our hearts slow to Judgement and condemnation. Forgive us of our previous behaviour towards other people and set us up to love the people in our life.