Love and Forgiveness

We think forgiveness is to go and re-conciliate with the offended person. However, true forgiveness comes
when there is no bitterness in our heart. Forgiveness is very important. When we do that, we clean our hearts and if our hearts are clean it is easier for God to work in our lives. When we have resentment this becomes an obstacle for our relationship with God. This hinders the victorious life that God has for us. If we have truly experienced what Jesus did on Calvary, giving up His life even though we were unworthy of it will be easier for us to forgive. God showed us His forgiveness through that. We have to forgive not only once, but every time needed even to the same person. Jesus said in Matthew 18:22 that we have to forgive our brethren seventy times seven. However, this does not mean we have to do it a certain number of times, but that we have to do it all the time. Jesus is our main example of love and forgiveness, because He gave up himself without having any fault to deliver us from condemnation. He humbled himself taking the position of a servant to save our souls. We have to forgive not only to fulfill the Word of God, but also to avoid bitterness in our hearts. When we have bitterness, our relationship with God is affected and we can lose our communion with Him. Sometimes is not easy to forgive, but if we really love God and want to please Him we will do it. We just have to ask God to help us and He will be pleased to do it. Forgiveness is very important not only for us but for those we forgive, even when we do not see immediate results. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14 kjv)