“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. [Matthew 6.14-15]
This verse goes hand in hand with the following verse in the same context:
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. [Matthew 7.1-2]
To "judge" others is to not forgive them and so to "forgive" others is to not judge them.
In Luke's Gospel, Jesus tied it all together and, even more:
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” [Luke 6.37-38]
In fact, Jesus made it clear that anything we are to receive in our lives is directly tied to what we give. Judgement brings judgement. Forgiveness brings forgiveness. Giving brings gifts.
If we will see it, what we need in life tells us how to give.
Father, help me - help us - to understand the heavenly principle of giving and receiving. Let it transcend shallow greed though.
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