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.

John 6:14-15

 

The words in John 6:14-15 are of paramount proportions when it comes to having a right relationship with God the Father through His Son Jesus the Christ. Our forgiveness from God is dependent on our forgiveness toward all others. It is not up for debate.

 

Ephesians 2:1 says, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Let me try and clarify. Sin is missing the mark, the intent was not to sin, even though, as children of God we knew it was sin, but we still missed the mark. James 4:17 says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” How many times do we miss the opportunity to do good?

Trespassing is deliberate. The sign was there but you walked into the devil’s domain on purpose with little regard for the consequences. There are a lot of ways to trespass against your brother. You can talk negatively to others about him, you can cheat him in business, you can deliberately stand against him when you know he is right, and the list goes on. May the Holy Spirit open our eyes to our own transgression they we may be willing to ask forgiveness and give forgiveness.