~ Mark 11:25
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. ~ Matthew 5:23
We all know the importance of forgiveness. The Bible is very clear about how important it is. If we do not forgive, how can our Father forgive us? It is obviously something very important to our Lord.
God is for reconciliation. It is what is best for the human heart. Problems in relationships compromise our relationship with God. We need to resolve the issue as soon as possible not only before it festers and becomes worse among the two whom are at odds, but also to prevent a wall from forming between ourselves and our Father.
I remember with clarity, years ago when I was compelled to do a study on forgiveness. One of the first things the Lord taught me with that study, was that it is always a two way street. We are without excuse to initiate the reconciliation. If, we have aught against any we are to go to the offended brother or sister. But more than that, if anyone has anything against us, we are also to forgive and go to that person. Don’t you see? It has nothing to do with whom is right or wrong. It matters not which one is responsible for the offense. We are the one who should go. When we know there is an issue at hand, we are to go. If everyone did that, all sides would be meeting and reconciliation would be possible.
When we hold a grudge or refuse to forgive, we do not have the “mind of Christ’ as instructed. When we say, “But he said this” “She did that”, God says “go”.
Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 18:23-35