Forgiveness In Forgiving

I guess it shall be one of those rare two-post days!

As I was praying today, the subject of forgiveness came to mind.  As I considered Jesus' words to the effect that we are only forgiven to the degree that we forgive, I questioned the mechanics of that arrangement.

It occurred to me that forgiveness from God involves a substitution for the penalty of sin (because sin, although forgivable, is inexcusable and its just penalty must land somewhere).  God's remedy to His edict of death for sin is Jesus.

As I considered how I could forgive someone else who had wronged me, I wondered if their sin against me, like unto God, was also inexcusable.  As we understand that there are sins against God as well as sins against man, we also understand that all sins are in fact sin.

Jesus died for all sin.  That means the sins I commit directly against God as well as the sins I commit against my fellow man are all covered by the blood of Jesus.  With that in mind, I find my solution to how and why I would and could forgive one who sins against me.  Jesus is the substitution for the penalty of sins that not only I commit, but for sins that are committed against me!

How could I expect in faith (or believe) that Jesus paid my debt and disregard (or, not believe) that He paid the debt for one who sins against me?  It simply cannot be.  If I believe I am forgiven, then I must also believe others are forgiven.  

My forgiveness of my offenders tells the story of Jesus at its best!  Whether my offenders accept that 'story' is entirely up to them.

Father, You are so faithful to reveal Truth!  Thank You for Jesus dying for my sins and for the sins of those who sin against me!  I want to be forgiven - help me to realize that forgiveness in forgiving!