Last week we looked at a parable Jesus used to teach about forgiveness. The unforgiving servant was delivered to the tormentors. Jesus said, "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses" (Matt. 18:35).

The world teaches just the opposite of this parable. Christians, we are to be different from the world. We must learn to forgive one another or our souls will be lost. Notice Paul’s words, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (Gal 6:1 - 3).

If we hold ourselves up as being faithful, to God, but we cannot forgive one another we deceive ourselves. Let us consider God’s willingness to forgive us as we forgive others.

God has forgiven us if we have obeyed Him, but are we willing to forgive others? This parable teaches us that this is a must for Christians. No trespass against us is as great as ours against God. Yet, God was willing to forgive us. We must do as God has done and be willing to forgive others. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.; "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you" (Matt. 6:14,15; Eph 4:32).

Have you obeyed the Gospel, having your sins washed away in baptism based upon you faith in God, your willingness to repent of sins, you confession that Jesus is the Son of God? Are you living each day of your life as one who has been forgiven, and as one has heaven as your goal, realizing that forgiveness comes from God? Then do not forget to forgive others.