But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

(Matthew 6:15 ESV)

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

(Matthew 18:21-22 ESV)

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

(Matthew 6:14-15 ESV)

According to AI Overview, “Forgiveness is the intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger toward someone who has wronged you, freeing yourself from the emotional hold of a past offense. It is not the same as forgetting, excusing, or condoning the behavior, nor does it mean you must reconcile with the person or absolve them of legal responsibility. Instead, it is an internal process that prioritizes the forgiver’s peace of mind, allowing them to move forward with healing and freedom from bitterness.”

I don’t always like AI Overview but I do like this definition. Forgiveness isn’t about making the other person feel better. It’s to help you free yourself from bitterness or anger towards that person. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you have to rebuild a relationship with that person. It’s a way for you to release negative emotions and find peace. It doesn’t mean that you will forget. But it does mean you made a conscious choice to let go of those feelings.

If you are holding unforgiveness, I suggest you let it go. Even if the person has passed away, forgive them anyway. It will make you feel better.

Have a blessed day.

Kathy Keller
Writer and Prayer warrior with Answers2Prayer Ministries
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