And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26)
God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. Humans like to keep records of right and wrongs… and to remain unwilling to forgive. Yet, we are charged to forgive, and do so freely. Here is Stephen the first martyr an example. He interceded for those busy stoning him, and by doing so he was following Christ’s example. If Stephen refused to forgive, the doors of Heaven would have remained shut for him. If Jesus did not forgive, the doors of Heaven would have remained shut for us for all eternity. For us there is therefore no other option, than to look at the Cross and realise how He suffered on your behalf… and how He intercedes for you…and then to forgive freely…
