Some people forgive, but still desire to take vengeance. They say, “He did this to me, and I will do that to him, so that he will know what he did was wrong.”

This is why the Bible says that vengeance belongs to God. It is not within your power to avenge yourself for whatever someone has done to you. When you take vengeance, you are assuming the position of God.

If you forgive a man, it does not necessarily mean that God has forgiven him if he refuses to approach God for forgiveness. Likewise, if you refuse to forgive someone, it does not mean that God will not forgive him if he sincerely asks Him for forgiveness.

To forgive is to remove the root of bitterness from your heart and make room for God’s forgiveness toward you. God alone has the authority to forgive sins.

When you forgive, regardless of the offence, you also position yourself to receive God’s forgiveness for your own offences. He blots out your sins and remembers them no more, so that your accuser will have nothing against you before the judgment seat.

Forgiveness means that you do not continue discussing the offence with others, as many people do. You do not continually bring it back to remembrance, even when the person commits another offence against you.

I have not read where God repeatedly brought up the sins He had forgiven concerning the Israelites. When God forgives, He does not continue to bring the offence back into remembrance.

He focuses on the present because He has forgiven and blotted out the iniquity. Why should He continue to refer to an offence that He has already forgiven whenever another offence is committed?

Therefore, whenever you pray for forgiveness of your sins, remember the words of Jesus: “Lord, forgive me as I forgive those who sin against me.” This should remind you to forgive others and also examine your heart regarding those you have yet to forgive.

This is how Jesus wants us to pray for forgiveness. It reminds us of those whom we are yet to forgive, especially if we truly desire to abide in the Word of God and live according to His example.

No one should desire forgiveness from God while refusing to forgive those who trespass against them. Even though they pray for forgiveness, they continue to hold on to the offence, keep it in remembrance, and use it against the offender.

The Bible says, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” It is through mercy that you can forgive. If you have no mercy or compassion for others, how will you obtain mercy from God?

God showed us mercy so that we might be saved. It is His mercy that made provision for the sacrifice of His Son on the cross. It is by His mercy that we are not consumed, because His compassion fails not, and His mercy endures forever.

If truly you are a child of your Father, you should also demonstrate that same mercy. When you are merciful and compassionate, you demonstrate the character of your Father who is in heaven. These attributes show that you truly belong to God. You must be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Just as God’s mercy speaks for you whenever you commit sin and seek forgiveness, so also, when someone offends you and asks for forgiveness, mercy should speak through you on his behalf.

Instead of anger, show pity. Instead of wrath, show compassion. Instead of vengeance, choose forgiveness.

With God’s infinite mercy, He will also be compassionate toward you, forgive your sins, and wipe away your tears.

Prayer: Father lord, be merciful unto me, wipe away my iniquity and blot out my transgression for your mercy’s sake, in Jesus’ name, amen.