Unforgiveness is Prideful.

   “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”.  How can we ask God to forgive us if we do not forgive others?  Are we somehow more important than God?  “God, forgive me, but do not forgive him. He hurt me.”

   We are asking God to forgive our trespasses against Him, the almighty God and Creator of the Universe.  And yet, we are unwilling to forgive others their trespasses against us, finite mortal beings.  We place ourselves above God when we expect it so.

   This does not mean we were not hurt.  Sometimes, the trespasses against us have scarred us for the rest of our lives.  It could have even cost the life of a loved one.  And for God to forgive us our sins, it took the death of His Only Begotten Son.  God was wronged and then God offered Himself as the sacrifice to right our wrongs.

   We are not asked to sacrifice ourselves for those who have done us wrong.  We are asked to forgive.  God has paid the price.  We have wronged Him in ways that would seemingly keep us from ever reaching Heaven, and yet, God paid the price so that we might attain Heaven.  He died for me; He died for you.  And He died for those who have wronged us too.  His Blood reaches all and can save all.  Who are we to tell God who should not be included?

   Jesus, You gave us the example, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” [Luke 23:34].  Even being crucified, You were able to forgive. Help us to have the strength to forgive others. Help us to not put ourselves above You. Amen.