The Lord's Prayer, Part 4

Forgiveness is an elemental part of the Christian life. Without it, fellowship with God and even with one another would be impossible. But how should Christians practice forgiveness? Should we follow particular steps, and is it ever right to withhold forgiveness? God commands us to forgive others just as Christ has forgiven us. That doesn’t put us in the place of Christ, but rather exhorts us to follow His gracious example. It means that we are to forgive as God Himself forgives: Lavishly and freely. There will be times when we should go and confront our brother, just as there will be times when we should let the matter go. But in every instance, whether the transgressor has asked our forgiveness or not, we are to release him of his debt and encourage him to repent and be reconciled to God. Forgiveness isn’t about adhering to a process. It’s about walking in the love of Christ. God’s forgiveness of believers is full and complete, even when we neglect to ask for it. Shouldn’t our practice be the same?