I just started a new activity of “Verse Mapping.” The radio station I listen to is having a “Forgiveness Week” so the scripture I memorized today:

Matthew 6:15 (NIV) But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Here are the thoughts I had as I studied this verse today:
* The ‘you’ means “I” have a responsibility when it comes to forgiveness.
* My responsibility is not only about forgiving others but doing so to ensure MY sins are forgiven.
* ‘Others’ does not give us limited criteria of family or friends – it is all inclusive – EVERYONE.
* This gives us a clearly stated consequence – forgive or don’t be forgiven.

This reflection then led me to thinking about Matthew 6:12 which says:
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

This one hits me to the core – do I REALLY want to be forgiven as I have forgiven those who have sinned against me? If not, then I probably need to take a closer look at how I am forgiving others.