Lent 2010, Day 9

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14-15

Lenten introspection brings nearly everyone face to face with his own unforgiving attitude. We assure ourselves that he/she/they don't deserve it. And we're probably correct. They often are undeserving fools and miscreants, who won't even admit they're wrong. We try to ignore that twinge that comes up every time we think of those who have hurt us.

But always, we are reminded that we, too, are unworthy. And so we swallow our pain and our pride, and will to forgive again, to forgive forever, and to finally let go and forget it.

Jesus knows our difficulties. That's why He added the explanation above just in case His followers tried to ignore the part of the Lord's prayer that says, "and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."