Seeking and Giving Forgiveness

Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either. Matthew 6:14-15

We say these words every time we pray the "Our Father": "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

Somehow it is so much easier to ask for forgiveness than to forgive others. Yet, God holds us to this standard. In fact, he ties our own forgiveness to our ability to forgive others. We must forgive, as Jesus forgave those who were persecuting him even as he hung from the cross. This season of Lent is a good time to try to let go of the old hurts, the grudges we continue to nurse. We can't do it alone. We need to pray for God's help.

Dear God,
We know we are creatures in need of forgiveness. Please help us also to forgive those who have hurt us. Amen