“Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me?”
Matthew 18:21-35
Offering forgiveness is a daily struggle. If we have a desire to become more Christ-like, then forgiveness is of the essence. We must not allow our sinful nature to coarsen our hearts, nor should we ask, ‘’Lord how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me?’’
When we harbor ill feelings the sin of unforgiveness penetrates our being. Examination of conscience and confession aid in the process of forgiveness. When we forgive, we show the person that he too can grow in holiness. We should not try to bring the offender to his knees and throttle him when he seeks our forgiveness or offers an apology. Desiring to be more Christ-like, we must freely offer forgiveness even if the offender is not ready to admit his wrong.
Becoming a forgiving person is not something intellectual. It is an openness to God’s mercy, letting go of our voracious hold on unforgiveness and being submissive to God’s holy will.
Pray for a forgiving heart and do not think that the offender must have some input into your process of forgiveness.