“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15.
Shortly after the Civil War, Robert E. Lee visited the home of a Kentucky woman. She bitterly complained to Lee about the damage the Northern Army’s artillery fire had caused to a tree in her front yard. Evidently she was hoping the General would sympathize with her loss. But after a brief silence, Lee said, “Cut it down, my dear Madam, and forget it.”
Wise counsel. Look, life is not fair.
Jesus knows something about unfair treatment. He experienced the greatest injustice when Pontius Pilate declared that He was innocent, then gave the order for Jesus to be whipped and beaten and crucified. In agony, Jesus looked down from the cross at his executioners and said, “Father forgive them, for the know not what they do.” It’s natural to want revenge when you are wronged. it’s supernatural to forgive.
Don’t let past injustices become a root of bitterness that poisons the rest of your life. Forgive and forget just as God has forgiven you.
Written and drawn by Gary Varvel
