Matthew 6:14-15

This IF/Then promise is not a happy one, but it is one we need to take seriously. Forgiveness is a REALLY big deal to God. He did a lot to fulfill the Law and bring Jesus to die for us. When we refuse to forgive someone, we are opening the door to the enemy and giving him a foothold in our lives. Bitterness is a result of unforgiveness. Do you know an angry bitter person? They aren’t fun to be around, that’s for sure. They are more than likely like that because they did not forgive someone.

God forgives us of so much, who are we to withhold forgiveness to someone who hurt us? I know, I know, you are saying, “But Jill, you don’t know what they did to me.” No, I don't. But God does and He wants you to forgive anyway. Do you know why? Because forgiveness is really for you!

We don’t even have to tell someone we forgive them. You don't have to let them back in your life either. And one thing to remember, God did not cause that to happen to you. He cannot over ride free will and there are evil forces at work that convince people to do evil. (Ephesians 6:12) Don't hear me wrong. God is ALL powerful & has ALL authority, but He cannot over ride us human’s free will. Love isn’t real if He made us love Him without a choice. Does that make sense?