Meditations on Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Many times we let emotions get in the way of doing what God commands of us in this verse. Knowing my own life and listening to the experiences of others over the years, it is clear to me that most of the time those emotions are not godly. We will let all kinds of feelings stand between us and forgiving someone for a wrong done to us. When we allow them to control our lives not only do we refuse to forgive, but we allow them to destroy peace with God and within ourselves. It is always our responsibility to keep emotions in check before God and man whether someone repents or not.

Here is an important and yet simple thing to remember about forgiveness, it is a command to be obeyed not an emotion. When someone repents, forgive them. Yes it really is that simple. –  Joe