When teaching His disciples how to pray, Jesus pointed out the importance of practicing forgiveness. Many times this text is misinterpreted as God’s refusal to forgive us unless we forgive others, which is not true. This statement was made before the redemptive act of Christ on the cross. Jesus’ sacrifice made the way for all of us to receive forgiveness for our failings and shortcomings, even if we have not yet worked out the process of forgiving others in our lives. Yet the importance of practicing forgiveness towards those who have wronged us is essential and demands a high place of priority in each of our lives.
Sometimes it is hard to forgive others, even when we want to, because the emotions are just too raw to put the issue down. Then we must practice and pursue the “forgiveness process” of unraveling an letting go of our emotional hurt and anger, however long it takes, until we find the freedom in our hearts to forgive and let it drop. At other times, it is easier to forgive, when we are not entangled in a web of negative emotions.
Forgiveness is vital if we are to continue in the quest of growing spiritually, praying effectively,walking in love, and experiencing peace. Because Jesus has forgiven our past, present, and future shortcomings, we must attempt to go forth with the desire to forgive others their failings and shortcomings. It is only through His Spirit of love and forgiveness that light can be manifested to a broken and hurting world in need of much healing.
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop [leave it, let it go], in order that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop” (Mark 11:25).
