forgiven as we forgive

St Augustine tells us about forgiveness today in A Year with the Church Fathers. He says that Jesus made it pretty clear how important it is to forgive others. "If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. If you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven." That's pretty clear.

It can be hard to forgive, can't it? Obviously it is, or we wouldn't be commanded so clearly that we must do it. No matter what they've done, we must forgive, or God will not forgive us. It's very simple... and very important.

If you struggle with forgiving someone, ask Him to help you. He will do it. He wants your heart to be healed by forgiveness. And he wants the other person to experience your forgiveness, too. He will soften your heart, if you ask Him to.

God, thank You for making forgiveness so important. Please teach us how.